4Racing’s The Championships Season ends with spectacular finale on Freedom Day

4Racing’s The Championships Season saw racing lovers geared up for the spectacular finale on April 27.

This season has had four unforgettable events showcasing the best of SA’s horseracing talent. The season finale didn’t disappoint – delivering a day of unforgettable top-tier racing action.

The highlight of the season’s fourth and final day saw Sean Tarry and Richard Fourie dominate. Tarry had a remarkable five winners, while Fourie had four. Together, they had three winners showcase their formidable partnership and expertise.

Among others, in race seven, Fourie secured a win for trainer Fanie Bronkhorst with three-year-old Pure Predator, owned by Messrs JF and LMF Wernars and Mrs TJ Wernars.

Fourie also won race eight, riding Lucky Lad. This race was a special feature on the day, and the 4Racing community paid tribute to a legendary figure in sports.

Renowned horse racing commentator Jehan Malherbe was honoured on his retirement after an illustrious 44-year career. In recognition of his contributions to the SA horse racing industry, race number eight, a grade two event, was named Jehan Malherbe Senor Santa Stakes. This race provided a memorable moment for Malherbe and the countless fans who have appreciated his voice and insights over the decades.

The season’s action started with Guineas Day on February 3, 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 season highlights included an emotional scene on Classic Day when 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 seven and opt 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.

A 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 showcases the peak of SA horseracing and delivers a global experience for punters and racegoers. This year, we aimed to make this season better than the last, and we succeeded with the support from all stakeholders. “This season has unveiled top-class thoroughbreds from across the country, all in the name of premier SA horse racing,” said Fundi Sithebe, the 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 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.