The Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing, often shortened to Triple Crown, comprises three races for three-year-old thoroughbred horses. Winning all three of these thoroughbred horse races is considered the greatest accomplishment in thoroughbred racing. The term originated in mid-19th century England and nations where thoroughbred racing is popular each have their own Triple Crown series.
Billed as horse racing’s ultimate test, The South African Triple Crown competition during autumn consists of a series of three top-level races at Turffontein, starting with the Betting World Gauteng Guineas, then the SA Classic and culminating in the Premier’s Champions Challenge. Gates open at just before lunchtime and there are races all afternoon. With magnificent views of Joburg’s iconic skyline and plenty of entertainment both on and off the track, race day at Turffontein, one of South Africa’s oldest racecourses, is great fun for all the family.
The series comprises three legs ranging in distance from 1600m to 2450m.
Four top-level races make up the series. There are alternative first-leg races; the R1-million Grand Parade Cape Guineas over 1600m at Kenilworth in Cape Town and the Betting World Gauteng Guineas over 1600m at Turffontein in Johannesburg.
The second leg is the R2 million SA Classic over 1800m and the third is the R2 million SA Derby over 2450m, both at Turffontein.
There’s a R2 million bonus awaiting the horse who succeeds in winning all three legs. It takes an exceptional horse to accomplish that feat: one who combines a rare blend of speed, stamina, courage and determination. In short, a true champion!
Three horses have won the Triple Crown. The mighty Horse Chestnut, who many ranked as the best horse in South African racing history, won the inaugural event in 1999,
There was then a long wait until Louis The King emulated Horse Chestnut’s feat in 2014 and Abashiri followed in their footsteps and clinched the bonus in 2016.
When will we see a new champion of champions?
Address: Turf Club Street, Turffontein, 2190 Box 183 Johannesburg
Tel. (011) 681-1500 Fax. (011) 683-7116