“When engineer Borrow designed the Borrowdale Park race track in 1957, he had great races, great horses and great people in mind. Edward Thomas “Ginger” Halfpenny is probably the fullest and most accomplished horseman and he won that one by a 100 lengths,” Michael Van Blerk said in reflection.

Ginger, who died on the 11th of July 2015 at age 79, was one of those rare larger than life characters that sport sometimes produces.

Such sincere and hearty words as Blerk’s, permeated the memorial service’s serene atmosphere in the Borrowdale Park Parade Ring, where family, friends and work colleagues, gathered to show love and celebrate the life of “Ginger” a legend and a real embodiment of what thoroughbred racing is about.

The daughter Robyn Halfpenny appreciated the gesture shown by all who turned out; “It was a privilege to see how many people loved and respected Dad and they came out today, they did so much for my Dad without having to be asked which was awesome, I am very proud to be a Halfpenny.”

At the memorial Robyn’s daughter Demi-Lee, sang “To all the girls I’ve loved before” a song by Julio Iglesias, Ginger’s all-time favourite. Ginger had an irresistible charm and fine taste for the ladies. Robyn said; “the song reminded us of him.”

Born to Jack and Ethel Halfpenny on the 13^th of March 1936 in Mutare; the thoroughbred horse enthusiast; Ginger Halfpenny was also an avid golfer who captained Chapman golf club in 1968 and he twice won the Wankie Open championship and on one occasion beating the professional golfer George Harvey.

As said by his son Deane Halfpenny; “Dad packed into his life what most would take 3 lifetimes to do. You will be missed, but what you leave behind lives on in your 6 children, your legacy in every one of us will carry on.”

Ginger was father of Gary, Deane, Simone, Robyn, Leigh Ann and Liam as well as grandfather to Kyra, Samuel, Lucas, Joseph, Demi-lee, Sophia and Zac.

“Demi loves the horses as much as I do and hopefully through that we will live on. Keep the Halfpenny name and colours going,” Robyn added.

The farewell gallop past the finishing post had four horses led by Ginger’s granddaughter Demi, in the navy blue and gold Halfpenny colours, riding the horse; Final Fling. A befitting send-off for a legend of the fast lane.

Demi who is a show jumper in her own right and was riding on the grass for the first time, said it was amazing to ride in her grandfather’s colours and was very glad to see what her grandfather has been doing for so long.

At age 13 around the years 1949/50, Ginger’s illustrious racing trip galloped off in a perfect line and as an apprentice he rode at Belvedere racecourse.

He jockeyed on the first ever race meeting at Borrowdale Park in 1959 and went on to win the first and then called Rhodesian Derby in 1963. His zeal and riding prowess earned him jockey success in Zambia and in The Congo.

In 1981 Ginger flipped a new page to horse training at his Kapalua yard.

His distinct smile, attitude and will to win was so contagious even his horses caught it and he was Champion trainer in 1994/1995 season.

He enjoyed success with award winners like; Stay Alert who was crowned horse of the year twice in the 1994/1995 and 1996/1997 seasons. Haarlem Park the 1996 Tankard champion and other equine characters like Solar Blaze, Rebecca’s Song and Full Regalia.

Post training, Ginger took on a new challenge as Jockey Academy Master to pass on his racing skills and for a decade he nurtured boys into men who could ride winners.

Names of great jockeys like Ried Patterson, Jimmy Anderson, “Rocky” Kevin Wright and “The street kid” Quinton Riddle pop up.

In the words of Michael Van Blerk, “Ginger was famous for his sayings and often preached to Kevin and Quinton in the Parade ring, saying; do things the proper way not the popular way.”

“He taught me good work ethics; I saw him as a teacher and will always only have fond memories of him. I will always remember his saying “LTG” [LEAVE IT TO GINGER],” said Kevin Wright.

Quinton Riddle shared on lessons he picked from this father figure, “I think by calling me ‘street kid’ he made me strive to be better. His lessons in life are something I will never forget and I can only say I have become what I am today because of him.”

In his latter career Ginger was more involved in racing administration.

He sat in the Mashonaland Owners and Trainers Association (MOTA) committee. He also put his knowledge to worthy use as a stipendiary steward.

We will always remember him for his massive contribution to all facets of thoroughbred horse racing,” Mashonaland Turf Club Chairman Brian Black said.

The racing manager Betina Gurajena gave her account; “Ginger had racing at heart and he would always be there to give a hand whenever the racing centre was in need.”

Besides winning multiples races, trophies and awards, above all what Ginger won was the hearts of many people.

Ginger’s life and legacy will always be an inspiration as Jackie Cocksedge summed it up; “Our present young generation of trainers, jockeys and horse enthusiast can look at Ginger’s career over the decades and appreciate that only by hard work, patience and fortitude can success be achieved.”

Ginger has moved on from amongst us, but his “Gingerisms” will always be a part of all those who knew him and all he affected, and as he often said, “Cowboys don’t cry.”