‘The Championships Season’ Concludes with A Spectacular Finale on Freedom Day

Johannesburg, April 28, 2024 – Racing lovers geared up for a spectacular finale of 4Racing's ‘The Championships Season’ on 27 April 2024. This season has been a journey across four unforgettable events, showcasing the best of South Africa’s horseracing talent. The season finale didn’t disappoint - delivering an unforgettable day of top-tier racing action.

The highlight of the fourth and the final day of the season saw Sean Tarry and Richard Fourie dominate the day. Sean Tarry had a remarkable 5 winners while Richard Fourie had four. Together they had 3 winners showcasing their formidable partnership and expertise. Among others, in race 7, Richard Fourie secured a victory for trainer Fanie Bronkhorst with 3-year-old Pure Predator owned by Messrs J F & L M F Wernars & Mrs T J Wernars.

Richard Fourie also won race number 8, riding Lucky Lad. This race was a special feature on the day, the 4Racing community paid tribute to a legendary figure in sport. The renowned horse racing commentator Jehan Malherbe was honoured on his retirement after an illustrious 44-year career. In recognition of his contributions to the South African horse racing industry, race number 8, a grade 2 event, was named the Jehan Malherbe Senor Santa Stakes. This race provided a memorable moment, not just for Malherbe, but for the countless fans who have appreciated his voice and insights over the decades.

The season’s action started with Guineas Day on 3 February, when Gimme A Nother (Mike de Kock) and Sandringham Summit (David Nieuwenhuizen) won the opening legs of the Wilgerbosdrift SA Triple Tiara and TAB SA Triple Crown series, respectively.

Other highlights of the season included an emotional scene on Classic Day, as Purple Pitcher delivered a first career Gr1 for trainer Robyn Klaasen and owner Mr Stinky Pooe.

Champion’s Day saw 2023 Summer Cup hero, Royal Victory, repeat his raid from KZN to snare more of the best silverware the Highveld has to offer when winning the World Pool Premier’s Champions Challenge. Champions Day also saw Gimme A Nother extend her unbeaten winning streak to 7, as she opted out of a Triple Tiara crown for Gr1 glory in the TAB Empress Club Stakes, leaving the Brett Crawford-trained Frances Ethel to claim victory in the Wilgerbosdrift SA Oaks. Purple Pitcher underscored his courage in the TAB SA Derby, beating the high-class Pure Predator in a titanic stretch run duel.

An important milestone was reached when the Hong Kong Jockey Club selected the Champions Day meeting on April 6 to form part of their prestigious World Pool series. A first for 4Racing, this ground-breaking partnership with the Hong Kong Jockey Club allowed punters worldwide to participate in a unified pool, further enhancing the event and bringing together two leading horse racing operators committed to delivering extraordinary betting experiences for local and global punters and racing enthusiasts.

“We are excited to have presented a season that not only showcased the peak of South African horseracing but also delivered a global experience for punters and racegoers. This year we aimed to make this season better than the last and we have succeeded with the support from all stakeholders. This season has unveiled top class thoroughbreds from across the country all in the name of premier South African horse racing,” said Fundi Sithebe, 4Racing CEO.

While no new Triple Crown or Triple Tiara winners were added to the honour roll this year, the season produced great racing. As 4Racing concludes yet another spring season, attention now turns to the thrilling winter calendar. The upcoming Winter Series in Gauteng and the East Cape Derby at Fairview will keep the excitement alive.

4Racing also extends their best wishes to Gold Circle for their upcoming season.

The winners are as follows:

Race 1: 4Racing Welcomes You Juvenile Plate

Trainer: Sean Tarry
Jockey: Richard Fourie
Horse: Legend of Aurthur

Race 2: Racing Today Juvenile Plate (Fillies)

Trainer: Sean Tarry
Jockey: Craig Zackey
Horse: World of Alice

Race 3: Tab Protea Stakes (Grade 3)

Trainer: Sean Tarry
Jockey: Richard Fourie
Horse: Proceed

Race 4: Tab Pretty Polly Stakes (Grade 3)

Trainer: Janse van Vuuren
Jockey: Gavin Lerena
Horse: Simply Majestic

Race 5: TAB Camellia Stakes (Grade 2)

Trainer: Sean Tarry
Jockey: Craig Zackey
Horse: Mrs Browning

Race 6: TAB Igugu Stakes (Grace 2)

Trainer: Stuart Pettigrew
Jockey: Calvin Habib
Horse: Beating Wings

Race 7: TAB Colorado King Stakes (Grade 2)

Trainer: Fanie Bronkhorst
Jockey: Richard Fourie
Horse: Pure Predator

Race 8: Jehan Melherbe Senor Santa Stakes (Grade 2)

Trainer: Sean Tarry
Jockey: Richard Fourie
Horse: Lucky Lad

Race 9: TAB Gold Bowl (Listed)

Trainer: Brett Crawford
Jockey: Kabelo Matsunyane
Horse: Crimson King

Race 10: Master Archie at Stud Pinnacle Stakes

Trainer: Mike de Kock
Jockey: Zinovi
Horse: Muzi Yeni

ENDS