When it comes to horse racing, people usually think of glamorous destinations like Ascot, Louisville, Paris, or Dubai, but sometimes even the smallest places on the map can have a big racing heart. So, if you are into niche places and like to explore the horse racing culture all around the world, maybe you should head to Harara, Zimbabwe.
Yes, it is an unusual destination, and not many people think of Africa when it comes to horse racing, but this place will surprise you. Here lies a track that has quietly carried the hopes, dreams, and culture of a nation’s horse racing scene for decades.
Do you know which racetrack we are talking about? Borrowdale Park. For Zimbabweans, this isn’t just a regular racecourse, but the heartbeat of their horse racing tradition. This racetrack also organizes some of the biggest events in the area, and we’ve seen participants from different countries.
The History That Built It
To understand what a racetrack represents and the culture and hype behind it, we have to look at the track’s history. Borrowdale Park opened in 1957, during an era when racing was spreading across Africa. This is one of the most beautifully designed and prestigious racetracks in all of Africa.
That’s why it quickly became Zimbabwe’s premier racetrack, hosting events that attract both local crowds and international interest. Unlike other tracks that play second fiddle to bigger venues, Borrowdale has always been the leader, and the first place you go to when it comes to professional racing.
But the road to what this track is today wasn’t easy. Over the years, the track has weathered political and economic challenges, but just like Churchill Downs, it managed to stay strong and overcome the difficult times. The biggest problem was the big fluctuations in horse racing interest in Zimbabwe, but the sport of kings found a way to survive in Harare, mainly because of passionate owners, trainers, and loyal fans who refused to let it fade away.
What Makes Borrowdale Special
Since we are talking about a racetrack with a long history, it must have something special in order to remain the top racetrack for years, right? Exactly. At its core, Borrowdale Park is more than just a sporting venue. Just like the top racing tracks all over the world, Borrowdale Park is more of a community hub than a place where horses run around.
On racedays, you can expect to see families filling the stands, bookmakers setting up shop, and horses from all around Africa and the world participating in some of the events.
But let’s talk more about the design of the track. First of all, it is beautiful. It is a right-handed turf course, about 2,400 meters, making it versatile for a range of situations. There is something about tuft tracks that makes them look quite beautiful. It hosted everything from sprints to grueling staying races, and its design allows fans to get a great view of the action.
The best thing about Borrowdale is that it carries a sense of intimacy, which is rare in the world of horse racing. Unlike the massive crowds you’d find at the Kentucky Derby or the Breeders’ Cup, here the experience feels more personal. Yes, there are some big events where thousands of people turn up, but in most cases it’s more of a low-key atmosphere.
That’s expected since events like the Breeders’ Cup entries come from all over the world, while at Borrowdale Park, the action is more local. If you want to check out the Breeders’ Cup odds and entries for this year, click here: https://www.twinspires.com/breeders-cup/odds/
The Big Days That Matter
If you want to see the best action at Borrowdale Park, then Castle Tankard is the race to attend. This race started in 1960, and it is one of Africa’s oldest sponsored horse races, and Zimbabwe’s most prestigious event.
We also have the OK Grand Challenge and the Republic Cup, both of which add flavor to Zimbabwe’s racing season. There are other, less popular events like Zimbabwe Oaks that are still worth watching.
Racing Against the Odds
It’s no secret that Zimbabwe’s economy has gone through some really tough times, and horse racing isn’t immune to that. Prize money is lower compared to international standards, and maintaining horses can be costly for owners.
Yet, despite all that, Borrowdale Park still survived and even thrived. Trainers, breeders, and jockeys continue to put in the work, despite how many spectators will attend these events, and the interest in horse racing has been growing.
The Future of Borrowdale Park
So, can Borrowdale become the next Kentucky Derby? Of course not, but it has a growing influence of online betting in Africa, and the sport can also help boost Zimbabwe’s economy by attracting international horse racing lovers.
In the future we expect Borrowdale to become even more popular. Why? Well it is a great racetrack, it has a rich history, interesting events, and a growing fan base. So, if you are thinking about going to a niche racetrack and experiencing a different racing culture, Borrowdale Park is a great option.
