With that country in a state of turmoil and near economic collapse following implementation of the government's land reform law that resulted in confiscation and redistribution of horse farms, the granddaughter of Mr. Prospector was sold at the annual Zim Nation yearling auction in Harare for the equivalent of US$30 (thirty dollars).
Her demonstrated abilities were such that her handlers were able to syndicate her to a group of twenty-two South African investors who brought her to race there where stronger competition for higher purse money was available.
Ridden by jockey Kevin Shea, Ipi Tombe came from a difficult number eighteen outside post position to put on a powerful stretch drive that made her the first three-year-old filly to win the race in fifty years.
Shipped to winter at trainer Mike De Kock stables at Nad Al Sheba Racecourse in Dubai, Ipi Tombe made her 2003 debut in March, winning the Group II Haafhd Jebel Hatta in stakes record time.
A training injury that never healed properly resulted in Ipi Tombe being retired on 22 November 2003 and sent to the renowned Coolmore Stud in Ireland for broodmare duty.