Turffontein Sparkles as Spumante Dolce and Parisian Walkway Steal the Headlines on Guineas Day

The 2025 edition of The Championships roared to life at Turffontein Racecourse with Guineas Day delivering drama, upsets, and two star-making performances that lit up the Highveld. With the country’s most promising thoroughbreds competing for early dominance in the summer season, it was Spumante Dolce and Parisian Walkway who stunned favourites and thrilled punters, setting a vibrant tone for what promises to be a captivating championship series.

Wilgerbosdrift and Mauritzfontein stole the breeding spotlight by producing both Guineas winners, reaffirming their standing in South African racing. Trained by Mike de Kock and guided by Raymond Danielson, the unbeaten Spumante Dolce delivered a sparkling finish to take the Gauteng Fillies Guineas (Gr2), while Alec Laird’s Parisian Walkway, with a masterclass ride from Diego de Gouveia, defied expectations in the TAB Gauteng Guineas (Gr2).

Here is the official press release from Turffontein, capturing all the action and results from a remarkable opening day.

PRESS RELEASE

Turffontein Sparkles as Spumante Dolce and Parisian Walkway Steal the Headlines

Johannesburg, 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 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 Derby, and SA Classic 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

Guineas Day Race Results – 1 February 2025

Race 1: Cecil Mthembu Honorary Maiden Juvenile Plate (1160m)

• Horse: Elegantrix
• Jockey: Ryan Munger

Race 2: Wilgerbosdrift Maiden Plate (1160m)

• Horse: Paul Revere
• Jockey: Ryan Munger

Race 3: For Hospitality Bookings Call 011 681 1796 MR 96 Handicap (2000m)

• Horse: Tamarisk Tree
• Jockey: Gavin Lerena

Race 4: Take A Bet Wina Numba Numba Pinnacle Stakes (1400m)

• Horse: Main Defender
• Jockey: Gavin Lerena

Race 5: Wilgerbosdrift Pinnacle Stakes (1000m)

• Horse: Dreamland
• Jockey: Ryan Munger

Race 6: Wilgerbosdrift Gauteng Fillies Guineas (Gr2) (1600m)

• Horse: Spumante Dolce
• Jockey: Raymond Danielson

Race 7: TAB Gauteng Guineas (Gr2) (1600m)

• Horse: Parisian Walkway
• Jockey: Diego De Gouveia

Race 8: www.tab4racing.com Middle Stakes (1160m)

• Horse: Mercantour
• Jockey: Philasande Mxoli

Race 9: TAB Telebet 0861 000 822 Novice Handicap (1400m)

• Horse: Salute The Flag
• Jockey: Gavin Lerena

Race 10: Next Turffontein Racemeeting Thursday 6 February Classified Stakes (1400m)

• Horse: Just Var
• Jockey: Ryan Munger

Image: Parisian Walkway, Credit: Pauline Herman Photography