4Racing Launches the Gauteng Summer Horseracing Season at Turffontein
The much-anticipated Gauteng Summer Horseracing Season kicked off in style as 4Racing unveiled it at the newly refurbished Centenary Room at Turffontein Racecourse. The season promises thrilling races, showcasing South Africa’s finest thoroughbreds and featuring the country’s prestigious Triple Crown and Triple Tiara series.
The Championships 2025 Begins with Guineas Day
The season opens with Guineas Day on 1 February, the first of four exciting race days in The Championships 2025. Racegoers can look forward to watching South Africa’s top three-year-old thoroughbreds compete in high-stakes races.
Wilgerbosdrift returns as the sponsor of the Triple Tiara, starting with the R750,000 Wilgerbosdrift Gauteng Fillies Guineas (Grade 2). This race features standout contenders like Quid Pro Quo, VJ’s Angel, and Spumante Dolce, who aim to join the ranks of past champions such as Gimme A Nother (2024), Lady Of Power (2023), and Rain In Holland (2022).
TAB sponsors the first leg of the Triple Crown, the R1 million Gauteng Guineas (Grade 2), which will see a competitive showdown between horses like Alec Laird’s Fire Attack and Mike de Kock’s Greaterix.
Exciting Highlights Ahead
Following Guineas Day, the season continues with three more major events:
- Classic Day (1 March)
- Champions Day (29 March)
- The Championships Finale (26 April)
Champions Day stands out as a highlight, featuring four Grade 1 and four Grade 2 races. It will also be a World Pool event, reflecting South Africa’s growing prominence in global horseracing. Fundi Sithebe, CEO of 4Racing, emphasized the international partnerships that elevate South African racing. “Our collaborations with the Hong Kong Jockey Club and the World Tote Association highlight our commitment to positioning South Africa as a premier player on the international racing calendar,” Sithebe said.
Global Recognition for South African Horseracing
South African racing received a significant nod with the HF Oppenheimer Horse Chestnut Stakes being named one of the world’s Top 100 Group 1 Races by the Longines World’s Best Racehorse Rankings Committee. This recognition underscores the country’s passion, talent, and commitment to delivering competitive and high-quality events.
“South Africa has always been home to exceptional thoroughbred racing,” said Sithebe. “To see our races acknowledged on a global scale is a testament to the dedication and talent within our industry.”
Gabriel Soma, Head of Racing Operations at 4Racing, echoed this sentiment, stating, “The Championships Season reflects our dedication to delivering high-quality fixtures and setting a benchmark for horseracing both locally and internationally.”
The Highveld Feature Awards
The Championships Season plays a pivotal role in determining points for the prestigious Highveld Feature Season Awards, which recognize outstanding performances. Points earned in races like the Gauteng Guineas, SA Derby, and SA Classic contribute to the final results, adding excitement to each stride on the track.
Mark Your Calendars
The Championships 2025 will feature four signature race days:
- Gauteng Guineas Day – 1 February
- Classic Day – 1 March
- Champions Day – 29 March
- The Championships Finale – 26 April
Each event promises world-class racing, further cementing Turffontein Racecourse’s legacy as the home of South Africa’s only Triple Crown and Triple Tiara.
For more details, visit 4Racing’s website or follow their social media channels for updates.
