Craig Zackey’s Turffontein Masterclass Steals the show at Classic Day

 


Image: Cosmic Speed with Craig Zackey, Credit: Pauline Herman Photography

Johannesburg, 01 March 2025 – Craig Zackey emerged as the standout jockey of the day, securing back-to-back Grade 1 victories in TAB SA Classic and Wilgerbosdrift H F Oppenheimer Horse Chestnut Stakes.

Zackey guided Cosmic Speed to the 2025 edition of the Wilgerbosdrift H F Oppenheimer Horse Chestnut Stakes. This race was recently named among the world's top 100 Group 1 races, the only race in South Africa to earn this distinction in 2024. This achievement further solidifies Turffontein’s growing international prominence in horse racing and showcases 4Racing’s influence on the global stage.

Confederate was Zackey’s first Grade 1 win of the day, leading from start to finish to claim victory in Tab SA Classic. His electrifying performance ended the Cinderella story for Guineas winner, Parisian Walkway, who would have had high hopes of keeping his Triple Crown pursuit alive. Confederate’s win leaves South Africa with no horse having won the title since Malmoos in 2021.

Spumante Dolce’s pursuit of the highly coveted SA Triple Tiara last won by Rain In Holland in 2022 came to an end as Fiery Pegasus, ridden by Richard Fourie, stormed to victory in Wilgerbosdrift SA Fillies Classic. The highly anticipated contest kept fans on their feet, delivering a thrilling contest before Joe Soma's star filly clinched the win.

"Classic Day at Turffontein delivered beyond expectation with Fiery Pegasus and Confederate dashing hopes of a SA Triple Tiara and Triple Crown champion this season, but staking a claim of their own as forces to be reckoned with. We now look forward to World Pool Champions Day on 29 March at Turffontein. The intensity, the passion, and the sheer talent on display today reaffirm why The Championships are a must-watch spectacle in South African horse racing," Fundi Sithebe, 4Racing CEO.

The TAB J J The Jet Plane Stakes (Grade 3), wrapped up the day’s feature events, featuring 15 top-class contenders battling for glory in a nail-biting showdown. William Robertson stormed through the pack, displaying incredible speed and determination to clinch victory in the 1000m sprint. Jockey Ryan Munger delivered a masterful ride, timing his final surge to perfection and edging out rivals in a dramatic finish.

The Championships serve as a crucial stepping stone for horses aiming for glory in the Highveld Feature Season Awards. Success in events like Classic Day plays a key role in accumulating vital points toward championship contention. All results undergo thorough auditing by the National Horseracing Authority to ensure fairness throughout the season. The Highveld Feature Season Awards will take place on 17 May 2025 at Turffontein.

The Championships 2025 season features four signature race days

Day 3: World Pool Day Champions Day - 29 March

Day 4: The Championships Finale - 26 April