Alick Macheso, Enzo Ishall, and More to Headline 65th Castle Tankard Race in Harare

The 65th Castle Tankard horse race, set to take place this Saturday at the prestigious Borrowdale Racecourse in Harare, promises to be a memorable event, featuring not only thrilling horse racing but also top-tier entertainment from some of Zimbabwe’s most popular musicians.

The event, which has become one of the country’s most widely anticipated annual occasions, will feature an exciting race with 16 horses, where one lucky gambler stands a chance to walk away US$50,000 richer. The event is poised to showcase a stunning blend of speed, style, and showmanship, making it a must-attend occasion for sports enthusiasts and music lovers alike.

Star-Studded Entertainment Lineup

This year’s Castle Tankard will be headlined by an incredible lineup of entertainers, including Alick Macheso, Enzo Ishall, Chillsport, Nisha Ts, Oriyano, and Delroy Shewe. These artists are known for their high-energy performances and will provide the perfect soundtrack to complement the excitement of the horse racing action.

Alick Macheso, a legend in the Zimbabwean music scene, will be gracing the stage, along with Enzo Ishall, who has been a consistent favorite among local music fans. The other talented entertainers, Chillsport, Nisha Ts, Oriyano, and Delroy Shewe, will ensure that the entertainment runs smoothly and keeps the crowd engaged throughout the day.

Celebrating 130 Years of Castle Lager

This year’s Castle Tankard holds special significance for Castle Lager, as the iconic beer brand celebrates an impressive 130 years of brewing excellence. Kundai Mawema, the Castle Lager Marketing Manager, shared the brand’s excitement for the upcoming event during a final acceptance event held at Borrowdale Racecourse.

“This milestone speaks to our rich heritage, resilience, passion, and unwavering commitment to quality,” Mawema said, highlighting Castle Lager’s long-standing role in supporting the Mashonaland Turf Club and its partnership with the Castle Tankard race.

The theme for this year’s event, “The Legacy Continues,” resonates with the brand’s deep connection to the history of horse racing in Zimbabwe. Castle Tankard is widely recognized as Africa’s oldest sponsored horse race and has consistently been a significant cultural event, blending the excitement of sports with entertainment and socializing.

Mawema added, “This year we celebrate not only 130 years of Castle Lager but also our enduring commitment to keeping the spirit of horse racing alive in Zimbabwe.”

A Look at the Horses

The 2025 Castle Tankard race will feature an impressive field of 16 horses vying for glory, including the likes of Jet Mirage, Jaeger Moon, Abayyaan, Action Zone, Ideal View, and Majestic Warrior, among others. The race is preceded by the horse acceptance ceremony, which signifies the horses’ confidence and trust in their riders — an important and meaningful tradition in horse racing.

What to Expect at the Castle Tankard

As always, the Castle Tankard will be more than just a horse race; it will be a celebration of Zimbabwe’s sporting, entertainment, and cultural scenes. With a packed lineup of live music performances, a thrilling race, and the chance to win US$50,000, attendees are in for an unforgettable experience.

“It is more than just a race; it’s a celebration of community, culture, and legacy,” said Mawema, underscoring the significance of the event.

With four top entertainers and world-class racing, the 65th Castle Tankard is shaping up to be another landmark event in Zimbabwe’s sporting and entertainment calendar. Whether you are a racing enthusiast or a fan of live music, this year’s event promises to offer something for everyone.

If you’re planning to attend, don’t miss out on the chance to experience one of Zimbabwe’s most iconic events. Would you like to know more about the horse race participants or the performers for the event?