Star Major wins this year’s Gr 2 WSB Guineas (Picture: Race Coast)
PRESS RELEASE
SOUTH AFRICAN GRADED RACES
The National Horseracing Authority of Southern Africa has received a favourable outcome following the recent meeting of the Asian Pattern Committee (APC) of the Asian Racing Federation.
At its meeting on 3 September 2026, the APC reviewed several South African races identified for possible downgrading after they failed to meet the required ratings parameters.
The Committee considered comprehensive submissions presented by the Chairperson of the South African Graded Races Committee, supported by documentation prepared by Mr Lennon Maharaj in consultation with the Racing Operators and members of the South African Graded Races Committee. The submissions sought to retain the current grading status of the races in question.
Following its deliberations, the APC resolved to retain the existing grading status of the South African races under review, representing a positive outcome for the local racing industry.
The NHA requested early notification of the outcomes to enable the respective Racing Operators to finalise their race programmes and plan accordingly.
Details of the APC’s decisions are set out below.
APC Review Outcome
Six G1 races had failed to reach the required parameter (including tolerance level) for the past three seasons. After discussion it was agreed by the committee that all six races would retain their G1 status for the 2026/27 season:
Grade 1
Betway Summer Cup
TAB Computaform Sprint
South African Fillies Sprint
Wilgerbosdrift Mary Slack S A Fillies Classic
TAB Empress Club Stakes
Gold Medallion
Two G2 races had failed to meet the required parameter (including tolerance level) for the past three seasons. After discussion it was agreed by the committee that both races would retain G2 status for the 2026/27 season:
Grade 2
Joburg Spring Fillies & Mares Challenge
TAB Camellia Stakes (race conditions changed to remove penalties for G1 and G2 winners).
The G3 WSB Sycamore Sprint (3yo+ F&M, 1160m) and Listed Betway Swallow Stakes (3yo F, 1160m) had both failed to meet the required parameter (including tolerance level) for the past three seasons. Due to proposed changes in race conditions, the South African Graded/Pattern Races Committee determined that both races would remain at their current status in 2026/27.
Grade 3
WSB Sycamore Sprint
Listed
Betway Swallow Stakes
The APC acknowledged the South African racing industry’s continued investment in race quality, prize money, and programme development. Although the Committee granted a temporary reprieve from downgrading the races under review, it confirmed that they would remain on warning and continue to be closely monitored through the APC’s standard ratings assessment process.
Accordingly, while the races have retained their current grading status, their future classification will remain subject to ongoing performance assessments.
Races on Warning after the 2025/26 Season:
The APC confirmed that ten South African Pattern races are placed on warnings after failing to achieve the required APC ratings benchmarks for two consecutive seasons.
Grade 2
Tibouchina Stakes
Grade 3
National Currency Sprint (Man O’ War Sprint)
Lucky Fish Winter Fillies Stakes (Gold Circle Oaks)
Campanajo 2200
Listed
Off To Stud Stakes
Settlers Trophy
Southeaster Sprint
Breeders Guineas
East Coast Cup
WSB East Cape Derby
Racing Operator Commitment:
The respective Racing Operators have committed to implementing a range of measures aimed at enhancing race quality and ratings performance of all the abovementioned races. These measures include increases in prize money, reviews of race conditions, programme refinements and targeted initiatives designed to attract stronger and more competitive fields, thereby strengthening the long-term sustainability and status of these races.
Gatecrasher Stakes Upgraded to Grade 3
The APC approved the upgrade of the Gatecrasher Stakes from Listed status to Grade 3, having exceeded the minimum ratings benchmark required for Grade 3 classification.
The promotion recognises the race’s sustained ratings performance and growing importance within the South African Pattern Race programme.
World Sports Betting KZN Guineas Upgrade Application
An application has been submitted by the South African Graded Races Committee to upgrade the World Sports Betting KZN Guineas from Grade 2 to Grade 1 status. The application is presently being considered as part of the required review process, with a decision expected to be communicated in early October 2026.
Outcomes for South Africa at the APC meeting that took place on 3 September 2026:
Retain Group 1 status:
Betway Summer Cup (3yo+, 2000m);
TAB Computaform Sprint (3yo+, 1000m);
SA Fillies Sprint (3yo+ F&M, 1200m);
Wilgerbosdrift Mary Slack SA Fillies Classic (3yo F, 1800m);
TAB Empress Club Stakes (3yo+ F&M, 1600m); and
Gold Medallion (2yo, 1200m)
Retain Group 2 status:
Joburg Spring Fillies & Mares Challenge (3yo+ F&M, 1450m); and
TAB Camellia Stakes (3yo+, F&M, 1160m).
Retain Group 3 status:
WSB Sycamore Sprint (3yo+ F&M, 1160m).
Retain Listed status:
Betway Swallow Stakes (3yo F, 1160m).
Industry Recognition and Appreciation
These outcomes represent a significant endorsement of South Africa’s Pattern Race programme and reflect the collective efforts of The National Horseracing Authority, Racing Operators, Breeders, Owners, Trainers, and the Graded Races Committee to enhance the quality, competitiveness, and international standing of South African racing.
The positive results of the APC review underscore the industry’s commitment to continuous improvement and the maintenance of world-class racing standards. They also provide a strong foundation for the continued development and enhanced global recognition of South Africa’s graded racing programme.
The National Horseracing Authority of Southern Africa extends its sincere appreciation to the Asian Racing Federation (ARF), the Asian Pattern Committee (APC), the International Race Planning Advisory Committee (IRPAC), and the Society of International Thoroughbred Auctioneers (SITA) for their careful consideration of South Africa’s submissions and their continued support for international racing standards and best practices. Their commitment to safeguarding the integrity and quality of global thoroughbred racing has contributed significantly to South Africa’s retention of its Part I status in the International Cataloguing Standards Book (Blue Book).
Updated SA Pattern Table:
The above table includes the upgrade of the Gatecrasher Stakes from Listed to Grade 3 status.
The World Sports Betting KZN Guineas remains a Grade 2 event pending the outcome of the application for promotion to Grade 1 status. The table will be updated in early October 2026 should the application be approved.
Vee Moodley
Chairperson of the Graded Races Committee
