HKJC World Pool Ignites Champions Day with Thrilling Turffontein Action!

Johannesburg, 30 March 2025 – The Grade 1 HKJC World Pool Premier’s Champions Challenge delivered a thrilling spectacle from start to finish. South Africa’s reigning champion jockey, Richard Fourie, coaxed every ounce out of Alec Laird-charge Fire Attack, to post a dramatic victory in the R2 million feature, but then had a second battle to fight in the Stipes’ boardroom when 2024 winner Royal Victory lodged an objection on grounds of interference. Ultimately the objection was overruled and Fire Attack secured a coveted Gr1 victory.

As the penultimate event of The Championships, the day saw some of the country’s finest thoroughbreds line up to do battle in a 12-race card, which included four Grade 1 and two Grade 2 races forming part of the HKJC World Pool for the day.

HKJC World Pool Champions Day cemented its reputation as one of the most exciting days on the South African racing calendar. Fatal Flaw was crowned the R1 Million TAB Empress Club Stakes (Grade 1) winner under a well-judged ride from Gavin Lerena.

The country’s best sprint talent lined up for Gr1 glory - and R1 Million in prize money – in the TAB Computaform Sprint (Grade 1) – where Corne Spies trained William Robertson, with the in-form Ryan Munger in the irons, also had to survive an objection to claim his first Grade 1 title in the 15^th career win for this incredible horse.

Wrapping up the Grade 1 races for the day was the TAB SA Derby, the final leg of South Africa’s only Triple Crown. Contested over a gruelling 2,450m, Sean Tarry-trained Legend of Arthur prevailed by 0.25 lengths to secure a second consecutive Grade 1 title for Richard Fourie, who is riding at the top of his game.

"Champions Day once again showcased the remarkable quality and depth of South African racing. The competition was intense, the performances outstanding, and the atmosphere at Turffontein truly electric. Our partnership with the Hong Kong Jockey Club and the World Pool platform continues to elevate our sport, giving South African racing the global spotlight it deserves. A reflection of this is in the betting numbers, where the HKJC reported turnover from five World Pool bet types in the Wilgerbosdrift Bridget Oppenheimer SA Oaks HK$39.1m (R92.7m) – highest since Jul 2023. I would also like to thank our Triple Tiara sponsors, Wilgerbosdrift. Your commitment and passion to this sponsorship is helping us find more champions and add to our country’s rich racing history," said Fundi Sithebe, 4Racing CEO.

The Turffontein race card also boasted four Grade 2 races. The third leg of the triple Tiara, the Wilgerbosdrift Bridget Oppenheimer SA Oaks, was won by Fiery Pegasus under another shrewdly judged ride by Richard Fourie; the TAB Hawaii Stakes trophy was lifted by Main Defender, ridden by Gavin Lerena. Earlier on the card, Golden Palm and Green Diamond captured victories in the Wilgerbosdrift SA Fillies Nursery and TAB SA Nursery respectively.

"We are delighted to have partnered with 4Racing to bring another thrilling World Pool event to Turffontein. Champions Day showcased world-class competition, top-quality racing, and unforgettable moments. The depth of talent on display today reaffirms why South African racing holds such a strong position on the global stage. A heartfelt congratulations to Siyavuya Nako for being awarded the World Pool ‘Moment of the Day’ for the performance of Legend of Arthur. Your journey is truly inspiring and your dedication to excellence continues to elevate the sport. People around the world will now learn about your passion and hard work that make South African racing a force on the global stage," said Sam Nati, Head of Commingling at The Hong Kong Jockey Club.

4Racing took the opportunity of the HKJC World Pool Champions Day to celebrate revered horse racing trainer Ormond Ferraris. He was officially inducted into the South African Hall of Fame at Turffontein Racecourse on Saturday, 29 March 2025. The 93-year-old icon, who trained approximately 2,600 winners over his illustrious 69-year career, was honoured for his immense contributions to the sport, including multiple Oaks and Derby victories, a Triple Tiara triumph and two National Trainer Championships. In recognition of his legacy, Race 5 on Champions Day on the day was named in his honour.

Ferraris, widely respected for mentoring some of South Africa’s top trainers and jockeys, has left an indelible mark on the industry, both on and off the track. As a key figure in establishing the Trainers Benevolent Fund, his commitment to uplifting others extends well beyond racing.

"It’s a privilege to celebrate a man whose dedication, excellence, and generosity have shaped South African horse racing. His passion for the sport, unwavering commitment to its growth, and the legacy he has built continue to inspire generations of horse racing enthusiasts, owners, trainers and jockeys alike," said Colin Gordon, 4Racing COO.

With Champions Day wrapped up, all eyes turn to the grand finale of The Championships on April 26, where the season’s top contenders will renew battle for the final day of the Highveld feature season. The industry will then come together to celebrate excellence at the Highveld Feature Awards on May 17, 2025, honouring the standout performances of the season

Day 4: The Championships Finale - 26 April

Here’s a full list of the winners on Champions Day 2025:

Race 1: 4Racing Juvenile Plate, 1600m
Horse: Whispering Death
Jockey: Gavin Lerena

Race 2: Wilgerbosdrift SA Fillies Nursery, 1160m
Horse: Golden Palm
Jockey: Richard Fourie

Race 3: Tab SA Nursery, 1160m
Horse: Green Diamond
Jockey: Craig Zackey

Race 4: 4Racing FM 76 Handicap (F & M), 1100m

Horse: Blizzard Snow
Jockey: Gavin Lerena

Race 5: Ormond Ferraris Inducted Into The SA Hall Of Fame Mr 82 Handicap, 1400m
Horse: Pressonregardless
Jockey: Diego Gouveia

Race 6: TAB Empress Club Stakes, 1600m

Horse: Fatal Flaw
Jockey: Gavin Lerena

Race 7: TAB Computaform Sprint, 1000m

Horse: William Robertson
Jockey: Ryan Munger

Race 8: HKJC World Pool Premier's Champions Challenge, 2000m
Horse: Fire Attack
Jockey: Richard Fourie

Race 9: TAB SA Derby, 2450m
Horse: Legend of Arthur
Jockey: Richard Fourie

Race 10: Wilgerbosdrift Bridget Oppenheimer SA Oaks, 2450m
Horse: Fiery Pegasus
Jockey: Richard Fourie

Race 11: TAB Hawaii Stakes, 1400m
Horse: Main Defender
Jockey: Gavin Lerena

Race 12: 4Racing Caradoc Gold Cup, 2850m
Horse: My Soul Mate
Jockey: Ryan Munger

END

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