Turffontein Sparkles as Spumante Dolce and Parisian Walkway Steal the Headlines

 

Image: Parisian Walkway, Credit: Pauline Herman PhotographyJohannesburg, South Africa, 01 February 2025 – The Highveld Summer Season 2025 got off to an exciting start as the favourites were upset on Day 1 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 (Gr2) 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 R1 million TAB Gauteng Guineas (Grade 2) over 1600m 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 off 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 1, 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 (1 March) and Champions Day (29 March), 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 Classic and SA Derby not only showcases their talent but also earns vital points toward their championship journey. All results are carefully audited by the National Horseracing Authority to ensure fairness throughout the season.

Mark Your Calendars

The Championships 2025 season features four signature race days:

Day 2: Classic Day – 1 March
Day 3: Champions Day – 29 March
Day 4: The Championships Finale – 26 April