Turffontein sparkles as Spumante Dolce and Parisian Walkway steal the headlines
Guineas Day marked an electrifying start to The Championships, setting the tone for an exhilarating few weeks of racing.
The Highveld Summer Season 2025 got off to an exciting start as the favourites were upset on day one of The Championships.
Wilgerbosdrift and Mauritzfontein had a day to remember as they bred both Guineas winners at Turffontein.
A sprightly Spumante Dolce clinched the Gauteng Fillies Guineas (Gr2) ahead of VJ’s Angel and odds-on favourite Quid Pro Quo.
The TAB Gauteng Guineas (Grade 2) also provided an upset as Parisian Walkway put together an impressive win over Greaterix.
TAB Gauteng Guineas: A battle of form and flair
In a race that pitted reputation against recent form, the R1m TAB Gauteng Guineas (Grade 2) over 1 600m lived up to its promise of high-quality competition.
The late scratching of Fire Attack seemed to have opened the door for Greaterix to seal the first leg of the Triple Crown 2025. However, Alec Laird’s Parisian Walkway, along with jockey Diego de Gouveia, had different plans – dominating the field from start to finish, showing great determination to hold off the late charge from Greaterix.
The afternoon’s excitement started with the Grade 2 Wilgerbosdrift Gauteng Fillies Guineas. The race’s standout was the effervescent Spumante Dolce, trained by Mike de Kock and ridden by Raymond Danielson, who displayed remarkable versatility and an exceptional turn of foot to beat a classy field – and remain unbeaten in three starts.
Final reflections
Day one, Guineas Day, set The Championships 2025 in motion with thrilling upsets and standout performances, igniting anticipation for the weeks ahead. With Grade 1 racing still to come on Classic Day (March 1) and Champions Day (March 29), the road to Highveld racing glory is only just beginning.
The Championships Season is a key stepping stone for horses aiming for the coveted Highveld Feature Season Awards. Success in marquee races like the Gauteng Guineas, SA Derby, and SA Classic not only showcases their talent but also earns vital points toward their championship journey.
The National Horseracing Authority carefully audits all results to ensure fairness throughout the season.
Mark your calendars
The Championships 2025 season features four signature race days:
Day 2: Classic Day – March 2
Day 3: Champions Day – March 29
Day 4: The Championships Finale – April 26
Full list of the winners on the Guineas Day Race Day:
Race 1: Cecil Mthembu Honorary Maiden Juvenile Plate, 1 160m
Horse: Elegantrix
Jockey: Ryan Munger
Race 2: Wilgerbosdrift Maiden Plate, 1 160m
Horse: Paul Revere
Jockey: Ryan Munger
Race 3: For hospitality bookings, call 011 681 1796 Mr 96 Handicap, 2 000m
Horse: Tamarisk Tree
Jockey: Gavin Lerena
Race 4: Take A Bet Wina Numba Numba Pinnacle Stakes, 1 400m
Horse: Main Defender
Jockey: Gavin Lerena
Race 5: Wilgerbosdrift Pinnacle Stakes, 1 000m
Horse: Dreamland
Jockey: Ryan Munger
Race 6: Wilgerbosdrift Gauteng Fillies Guineas (Grade 2), 1 600m
Horse: Spumante Dolce
Jockey: Raymond Danielson
Race 7: TAB Gauteng Guineas (Grade 2), 1 600m
Horse: Parisian Walkway
Jockey: Diego De Gouveia
Race 8: www.tab4racing.com Middle Stakes, 1 160m
Horse: Mercantour
Jockey: Philasande Mxoli
Race 9: Tab Telebet 0861 000 822 Novice Handicap, 1 400m
Horse: Salute The Flag
Jockey: Gavin Lerena
Race 10: Next Turffontein Racemeeting February 6 Classified Stakes, 1 400m
Horse: Just Var
Jockey: Ryan Munger
