SA Triple Crown 2027: Dates, Races and Winners
Three races decide the best three year old of the Highveld season, so each one matters. So here are the dates, the distances, last season’s winners and where to bet.
HollywoodbetsR25 free bet + 50 free spinsTote and fixed odds · 18+ · T&Cs applyClaimFirst, the series ends with the SA Derby. Also, for the track itself, see our Turffontein Racecourse guide, and for every other big date, see the racing calendar.
The Three Legs
First, this Grade 2 is run over 1600m. In 2026, Splittheeights won for Mike and Mathew de Kock, ridden by Raymond Danielson.
Next, this Grade 1 is over 1800m. In 2026, Grand Empire won at 9/2 for Sean Tarry, ridden by Craig Zackey, by a head from Trust.
Finally, the Derby is over 2450m. In 2026, Curious Girl won for Mike de Kock, so nobody swept the series.
Overall, results come from Cape Breeders Club, Sporting Life and Turf Talk. The 2027 Guineas date is not yet confirmed.
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Where to Bet on the SA Triple Crown
All racing sites →We checked these offers on 5 Nov 2026, but they can change. 18+ only.
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Follow the channelAbout the Series
The SA Triple Crown is a series for three year olds. In 2026, the Gauteng Guineas was run on 7 February, the SA Classic on 7 March and the SA Derby on 4 April. In addition, a horse that wins all three earns a R2 million bonus.
The history goes back a long way. For example, the SA Classic began in 1913 as the Benoni Guineas, over one mile at Gosforth Park. Also, Colesberg was the first horse to sweep the series, in 1920, and Horse Chestnut has won it since.
However, a clean sweep is rare. Meanwhile, the distances ask different questions, from a mile to a mile and a half, so a horse needs speed and stamina. As a result, the series often produces three different winners, as it did in 2026.
SA Triple Crown FAQ
What is the SA Triple Crown?
Basically, it is a series of three races for three year olds at Turffontein: the Gauteng Guineas, the SA Classic and the SA Derby. In addition, the series ends with the Derby in early April.
How much is the SA Triple Crown bonus?
Put simply, a horse that wins all three races earns a R2 million bonus. However, that bonus was on offer in 2026, so check the latest terms.
What are the distances?
Firstly, the Gauteng Guineas is over 1600m, the SA Classic over 1800m and the SA Derby over 2450m. Therefore, the series moves up in distance each time, so stamina matters more late on.
Who won the legs in 2026?
Specifically, Splittheeights won the Guineas, Grand Empire won the Classic and Curious Girl won the Derby. As a result, there was no Triple Crown winner.
Who was the first Triple Crown winner?
Historically, Colesberg was the first to sweep the series, in 1920. Besides, Horse Chestnut has also won all three.