4Racing launched the much-anticipated Gauteng Summer Horseracing Season in its newly refurbished Centenary Room at Turffontein on Wednesday, setting the scene for a showcase of the best of South African horseracing and the country’s only Triple Crown and Triple Tiara series.
In a media release, 4Racing states that Guineas Day on 1 February marks the first of four thrilling race days in The Championships 2025.
Racegoers, punters, fans and owners will witness the country’s finest three-year-old thoroughbreds compete in the first meeting of a high-stakes season. Wilgerbosdrift returns as the sponsor of the Triple Tiara with the R750 000 Wilgerbosdrfit Gauteng Fillies Guineas (Gr 2) that features some exciting talent in Quid Pro Quo, VJ’s Angel and the up and coming Spumante Dolce. They will be looking to join some illustrious company of previous winners in Gimme A Nother (2024), Lady Of Power (2023) and Rain In Holland (2022).
The manpower! Gabriel Soma – 4Racing Head of Racing Operations, Clyde Basel – Host and Commentator, Calvin Habib – Jockey (Summer Cup 2024 winner), Bradley Ralph – Business Executive and Guest Speaker, Colin Gordon – 4Racing Chief Operating Officer (Pic- JC Photos)
TAB sponsors the first leg of the Triple Crown, the R1 million Gauteng Guineas (Gr 2), which features a showdown between a few contenders including the Alec Laird-trained Fire Attack and the de Kock-stabled Greaterix.
Day 2 of The Championships 2025 is Classic Day, to be held on Saturday, 1 March, followed by the highlight of the season, Champions Day on 29 March.
The latter will once again be a World Pool event, featuring the four Grade 1 races and four Grade 2s. “Our partnerships with the Hong Kong Jockey Club and the World Tote Association reflect our commitment to globalising South African horseracing and positioning it as a premier player on the international calendar,” said Fundi Sithebe, CEO of 4Racing.
4Racing is proud to once again highlight its role in elevating South African horseracing on the global stage. “South Africa has always been home to some of the finest thoroughbred racing – and to see the HF Oppenheimer Horse Chestnut Stakes recognised as one of the World’s Top 100 Group 1 Races is not only an acknowledgement alongside the world’s best but is a testament to the passion and talent within our industry,” said Sithebe.
Compiled by the Longines World’s Best Racehorse Rankings Committee, this prestigious list honours the most competitive and high-quality horse races worldwide based on the average ratings of the top four finishers in each event.
By aligning local events with the standards of these prestigious global rankings, 4Racing ensures that South African races continue to attract elite competitors and international attention, bolstering the nation’s reputation as a premier racing destination.
Gabriel Soma, Head of Racing Operations at 4Racing, added, “The Championships Season underscores our dedication to high-quality fixtures, setting a benchmark for horseracing not only in South Africa but internationally. This year’s racing calendar is a testament to our commitment to delivering excellence, and the country’s stellar performance on a global stage.”
The Highveld Feature Awards
The Championships Season also plays a vital role in determining points towards the coveted Highveld Feature Season Awards. These awards highlight exceptional performances across features during the season.
While the final results and winners are subject to the audit and oversight of the National Horseracing Authority (NHA), the accumulation of points during races like the Gauteng Guineas, SA Derby and SA Classic ensures that every stride counts.
Mark Your Calendars
The Championships 2025 season features four signature race days:
- Day 1: Gauteng Guineas Day – 1 February
- Day 2: Classic Day – 1 March
- Day 3: Champions Day – 29 March
- Day 4: The Championships Finale – 26 April
Each event promises to deliver world-class racing, with Turffontein Racecourse continuing its legacy as the home of South Africa’s only Triple Crown and Triple Tiara.
For more information, visit https://www.4racing.com/ and social media pages for all event information.
