A blast from the past whenever the name Ipi Tombe comes up will bring a huge smile to any avid South African racegoers for the the diminutive Zimbabwean bred filly reached world fame.

The star filly won the Durban July and then it was Dubai the rest is history. See at the end of this article for the history. 

The Ipi Tombe Stakes Grade 2 was named in her honour and takes place at Turffontein on Sunday. Gimme A Nother is no Ipi Tombe, just as yet anyway, but boasts a proud unbeaten record of three wins from three starts and headlines the event. The absence of Bavarian Beauty from the Peter yard makes it all the easier for Gimme A Nother who showed form far better than her merit rating in her last start for a convincing win. She has gone up only 8 pounds in her ratings and is far better than that, hence should take a power of beating carrying 53kgs against older fillies here.

The best of the rest looks to be Feather Boa who ran Princess Calla to within 6 lengths and Bless My Stars to less than a length giving her 4kgs. That's outstanding form and the shrewd players will be hoping the 4 year old will frank that form and be a huge player here.

The rest of the field are running for the minor honours including the likes of Emirates Gina, who should be behind Feather Boa again even at the slight weight advantage as well as the mercurial Humdinger, who is definitely the dark horse. Carrying top weight is no easy task and she will have her work cut out for her. She is a nice front running type who will set the race up for Gimme A Nother, a horse who enjoys a good pace. She is the best weighted in the field up against a talented youngest.

This is a lovely race and has attracted a decent field, well above standard Grade 2 event in December for the Highveld in between the upcoming 'The Championships' season and the completed Spring Season. It carries an average merit rating of 106 (before the scratching), well structured for a Grade 2 Fillies race.

The race deserves a better build up that the organisers have given it and honours a true champion, with a field worthy of it. 

The Ipi Tombe Story 

Ipi Tombe's remarkable journey begins with her birth on October 10, 1998, in the Marondera District of Mashonaland East, Zimbabwe. Bred by Peter J. Moor, chairman of the board of directors of the Thoroughbred Breeders Association of Zimbabwe, her early days were set against the backdrop of a country in turmoil.

Zimbabwe was experiencing near economic collapse, largely attributed to the government's land reform law that led to the confiscation and redistribution of horse farms. In the midst of this challenging environment, Ipi Tombe, the granddaughter of Mr. Prospector, was destined for an extraordinary fate.

At the annual Zim Nation yearling auction in Harare, Ipi Tombe was sold for the equivalent of a mere US$30. Despite her humble purchase price, she caught the attention of a four-man partnership who saw potential in her bloodline and athleticism. They decided to take a chance on her, and thus began the journey of the horse whose name, in the Xhosa language, translates to "Where is the girl?"

Undergoing training and development, Ipi Tombe exceeded all expectations on the racetrack. She emerged as a champion Thoroughbred racehorse, showcasing her speed and talent in various competitions. Her success not only highlighted her individual prowess but also became a testament to the resilience and spirit of the sport.

Ipi Tombe's illustrious career was marked by a series of major wins, showcasing her dominance on the racetrack. In 2002, she secured victories in the South African Oaks, South African Fillies Guineas, Woolavington Stakes, and the prestigious Durban July Handicap. These triumphs solidified her reputation as an exceptional Thoroughbred racehorse with a versatile skill set.

Her success extended beyond South Africa to the international stage. In 2003, Ipi Tombe achieved victories in the Al Fahidi Fort, Jebel Hatta, and Dubai Duty Free Stakes, showcasing her adaptability on different racing surfaces. Her performance in the Locust Grove Handicap further underlined her prowess in a variety of racing conditions. She was bought by Team Valor and partnerships for the Dubai campaign and won all four races for the partnership. Team principal, Barry Irwin spoke to SAHorseracing.COM today about her and said this of her, "Her acceleration was remarkable. When she came from so far back in the blink of an eye to make a good field look so ordinary in Dubai, I was awestruck. She was very plain looking. No clue to her talent. What made her so extraordinary was inside of her." 

Recognizing her outstanding achievements, Ipi Tombe earned several accolades. In 2002, she was honored as the South African Champion Three-Year-Old Filly, a testament to her excellence in her home country. Her international impact was further acknowledged when she was crowned the Dubai Horse of the Year in 2003, solidifying her status as a global racing sensation.

Ipi Tombe's racing career came to an end on November 22, 2003, due to a training injury that never fully healed. Subsequently, she embarked on a new chapter as a broodmare, finding her place at the prestigious Coolmore Stud in Ireland. In foal to the Champion sire, Sadler's Wells, she entered a new role in the world of breeding.

Her journey continued at a Tattersalls auction in England in November 2004, where she was acquired by Americans Richard Santulli and Barry Weisbord for an impressive £850,000. From that point forward, Ipi Tombe became a valuable asset in the realm of Thoroughbred breeding, contributing to the lineage of future racehorses.

Ipi Tombe had produced several foals:

1. Monastic Springs (colt, 2005) by Sadler's Wells - Achieving 1 win in 4 starts.
2. Pin Turn (filly, 2006) by Pivotal - Securing 1 win in 11 starts.
3. Go For Two (gelding, 2009) by Giant's Causeway, foaled in Kentucky - Earning 1 win in 22 starts.
4. Hug Doc (filly, 2010) by Medaglia d'Oro - Remaining unraced.
5. Dance Marathon (gelding, 2011) by Medaglia d'Oro - Winless in 2 starts.
6. Bad Call (colt, 2013) - Yet to secure a win after 1 start.

Image by Anita Akal