Star Major (Querari) wins the 2026 Gr 1 WSB Guineas from Tin Pan Alley (The United States) and One Eye On Vegas (Buffalo Bill Cody). The trio ended the season rated 122, 128 and 116 respectively (Picture: Race Coast)
NHA Press Release
Further to our previous Press Release regarding the South African Graded Races of 16 September 2026, I am pleased to inform that the APC has approved the NHA’s application for the upgrading of the World Sports Betting KZN Guineas from Grade 2 to Grade 1 status.
The upgrade was subsequently ratified by the Asian Racing Federation Executive Council and notified to International Race Planning Advisory Committee (IRPAC), which is responsible for providing reports of significant decisions made by regional pattern committees to the Society of International Thoroughbred Auctioneers (SITA).
The World Sports Betting KZN Guineas will be run under its new status in the 2026/27 season and will be updated in the 2027 edition of the International Cataloguing Standards Book (Blue Book).
Updated SA Pattern Table:
|
Full Pattern |
2yo |
3yo |
3yo+ |
Total |
|
Grade 1 |
2 |
7 |
16 |
25 |
|
Grade 2 |
8 |
8 |
19 |
35 |
|
Grade 3 |
8 |
10 |
29 |
47 |
|
Listed |
11 |
9 |
46 |
66 |
|
29 |
34 |
110 |
173 |
The NHA extends its sincere appreciation to the Asian Racing Federation (ARF), the APC, the IRPAC, and SITA for their careful consideration of South Africa’s application 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.
Vee Moodley
Chief Executive & Chairperson of the Graded Races Committee
