Racing fades as gamblers run dry

HARARE, Zimbabwe - Once the preserve of the ruling white minority, horse racing in Zimbabwe adapted to survive independence in 1980 by attracting a loyal following of local fans who enjoyed a bet.

Now the country's only track, at Borrowdale outside Harare, is threatened with closure - highlighting how a worsening economic crisis has pushed even the hardiest of colonial-era legacies to the brink of extinction.

"We often ask ourselves how we keep going, but we want to continue for as long as we can. Racing is popular in Zimbabwe. There is just no money for people to spend," said trainer Bridget Stidolph.