From: John Kelley treaclemine@zol.co.zw

Hello Mike and Marc,

Thought your readers and listeners might like to know something about Ginger Halfpenny, being one of those larger than life characters that sport sometimes produces.

 

Born in Bulawayo in 1936 Edward Ginger Halfpenny played first pairing with Tinker Beets for Matabeleland in Provincial golf matches. He twice won the Wankie Open championship, beating the professional George Harvey on one occasion. He was captain of the Chapman golf club in 1968. Ginger owned the “Golf World” shop in Newlands, Harare, for 44 years. The shop was a well known golf focal point for golfers before he sold it in 2010 to become consultant greenkeeper at Country Club, Harare.

However he was perhaps better known in his early days as a top jockey and subsequently a premier racehorse trainer, especially for his importation of young horses and creating winners from many of them. As an apprentice he rode at Belvedere before racing was established at Borrowdale. He won the first Rhodesian Derby in 1963. He also rode with success in Zambia and in the Congo. He was later a stipendiary steward at the Mashonaland Turf Club.

Some 18 months ago he went to England “to see what is what.” He died there at the age of 79.

John Kelley

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Death Notice: Ginger Halfpenny (Edward Thomas Halfpenny).  It is with great sadness that the Halfpenny announce the death on 11 July in the UK, of their beloved father, Ginger, father of Gary (SA), Deane (UK), Simone (UK), Robyn (SA), Leanne (Zimbabwe) and Liam (SA) and grandchildren.  Ginger was a revered member of the horse racing and golfing community, his knowledge and dedication to both sports will be sorely missed.  Rest in peace, our dear Ginger.  Memorial service date will be announced shortly.