The connections of 2026 Highveld Horse Of The Season, Tin Pan Alley
(left to right: Gcobani “John” Nosasa, Shylock Mtwesi, Mr & Mrs Dayalan Chinsammy, Laurence Wernars, Jason Tarry, Sean Tarry – image: JC Photos)
Excellence Rewarded at 2026 Highveld Feature Season Awards
Saturday, 16 May 2026 saw a host of the South African racing fraternity gather at Turffontein Racecourse to celebrate the 2026 Highveld Feature Season Awards, hosted by 4Racing. Hosted by Clyde Basel in Turffontein’s elegantly appointed Aquanaut suite, the evening honoured the standout performers – equine and human – of the 2025/26 Highveld Feature Race season. Click here for a glimpse of what this season offered.
In a highly competitive season where every victory was hard won, the 2026 nominees were tougher to separate than most and all recipients on the night were most deserving. However, it takes more than winners to make a season and 4Racing thanks every one of our owners, trainers, jockeys, grooms and all the unseen hands behind the scenes who helped make it a season to remember.
“We’ve had a remarkable year filled with unforgettable moments,” said 4Racing Chief Executive Officer, Patrick Duff. “The quality and depth of visiting horses and connections were phenomenal. Yes, the raiders may have stolen a bit of our silverware along the way, but it created a truly cosmopolitan and competitive season, and reinforced Turffontein’s standing as a genuine proving ground for the very best in the country. At 4Racing, we remain deeply committed to the continued upliftment and growth of this industry. We are here to support racing in every way we can, because we genuinely care about its future and the people within it. Thank you to everyone who contributed this season and congratulations to all our nominees and award winners.”
2026 Highveld Feature Season Awards – Winners
CHAMPION TWO-YEAR-OLD FILLY
GET UP
CHAMPION TWO-YEAR-OLD COLT/GELDING
BETTER NEVER ENDS
CHAMPION THREE-YEAR-OLD FILLY
HAZY DAZY
CHAMPION THREE-YEAR-OLD COLT/GELDING
TIN PAN ALLEY
CHAMPION OLDER FILLY/MARE
DOUBLE GRAND SLAM
CHAMPION OLDER HORSE
SEE IT AGAIN
CHAMPION SPRINTER (1000–1200m)
BUFFALO STORM CODY
CHAMPION MILER (1400–1600m)
TIN PAN ALLEY
CHAMPION MIDDLE DISTANCE HORSE (1800–2000m)
SEE IT AGAIN
CHAMPION STAYER (2400m+)
CURIOUS GIRL
The prestigious Horse of the Season title was awarded to TIN PAN ALLEY, in recognition of a campaign marked by consistency, stamina, and top tier performances.
In addition to the equine accolades, the following individuals were recognised for their outstanding contributions to the season:
Champion Work Rider – Phenisile Mongqawa
Champion Apprentice – Trent Mayhew
Champion Breeder – Varsfontein Stud
Champion Owner – Mrs S Viljoen
Champion Jockey – Craig Zackey
Champion Trainer – Sean Tarry
4Racing extends warm congratulations to all our award recipients. Racing Today caught up with some of the winners on the evening, click here for the Highveld Feature Season Awards Highlights.
