The Sunday News
Mandla Moyo
THE dust is yet to settle at Borrowdale Racecourse after the successful hosting of the most followed horse race in the country, the OK Gand Challenge Grade (2) Race.
Other followers of this event are still on cloud nine after just a ticket changed their lives while some are obviously in pain and agony as a result of missing that opportunity either by a single digit or by a large margin.
Interestingly both winners as well as losers have perhaps one answered question in their mind, why me?
As part of activities to cleanse the both good as well as bad the local horse racing authority Mashonaland Turf is set to hold a race next week, the Champion Juvenile Stakes Grade (3) Second Leg Juvenile series today.
To avoid being blurred by this dust in today’s edition of talking horse racing this article will take a step back by going behind the scenes to talk about some of the unsung heroes of the sport that is the groomer.
Horse racing, just like other sports, thrives on teamwork hence it is important to talk about one of its overlooked player, the groom.
A groom is a person who is responsible for some or all aspects of the management of horses including taking care of the stables where horses are kept.
The principal task of this player is to practice the horse on a daily basis to make sure that just like another athlete it remains in shape therefore fit to do duty, that is to compete as well as bring fame plus fortune to the yard.
The groom works under the watchful eye of the owner, however, at times depending on the size of the yard a proprietor can also carry out these duties of this essential player within the industry.
They may be employed in professional horse training facilities such as stables. A groom in private service is expected to be “on call” during specified hours in case any member of the employer’s family wishes to ride.
For those whose employers are involved in horse sports or horse racing are often required to travel with their employers to provide support services during competitions.
The services required vary with the type of competition and range from simply ensuring that the horse is ready for the start of the competition to warming the horse up beforehand.
As a result of their value within the sport local trainer Kirk Swanson expressed his gratitude towards them.
“Our unsung heroes of the yard are our team of grooms who come to work every day to take care of our horses, no matter the weather, no matter the struggle, no matter the disappointment we’re so grateful to have an excellent team of grooms.
It’s so rewarding when their hard work pays off for our Team, without them, there is no racing,” wrote Swanson.
