Star Major, a three-year-old Querari colt trained by James Crawford, claimed victory in the Grade 1 Daily News 2000 held at Greyville on May 30, 2026. [1, 2, 3] The race, contested over 2000 meters, carried a purse of two million rand (approximately S$157,000). [1, 2, 3] French jockey Mickaelle Michel guided Star Major to win by 1½ lengths, marking her first Grade 1 victory after 12 years of riding. [1, 2, 3]
Craig Zackey set a strong early pace aboard Viva's Liberte, but Star Major pulled clear in the later stages to finish ahead of Happy Verse, Note To Self, and Viva’s Liberte, who chased closely to the finish. [1, 2, 3] Jan Van Goyen’s seventh-place finish came as a disappointment in the race. [1, 2, 3]
Michel, who began riding in South Africa in December 2025, became the first female jockey to win a South African classic with this effort. [1, 2, 3] She said, "I’m very grateful to this country. They welcome me so much and the more I stay, the more they give me better horses. I finally feel I’m in the place people can enjoy my work, my skill and I’m very thankful for that." [1]
Reflecting on the race, Michel added, "Today, he was a little hot before the race. But around the 1,500m, we went at a good pace, so I felt very confident this time. The more we went, the more confident I got and then the job was done." [1]
Star Major had earlier shown his potential by winning the Grade 2 WSB Guineas over 1600 meters at Greyville on May 2, 2026, also by 1½ lengths. [1, 2, 3]
Looking ahead, Michel expressed hope to ride Star Major again in the Grade 1 Hollywoodbets Durban July (2200 meters) on July 4, 2026, stating, "It looks like he could (take the step forward in the Durban July). We’re going to see how many points he’s gonna get after this win, but obviously he’s in a very good shape. He loves the track, so I’ll ask the trainer but I think we have a ticket." [1]
The upcoming Hollywoodbets Durban July remains the next major event for Star Major and his team to confirm their participation. [1, 2, 3]
