Star Major continued his outstanding three-year-old campaign with victory in the Gr1 Daily News 2000, handing French jockey Mickaelle Michel a landmark success as just the second female rider to win a Grade 1 race in South Africa.

The James Crawford-trained colt showed plenty of courage to repel his rivals in the closing stages, completing Graded Stakes KZN double following his victory in the Gr2 WSB Guineas, and further enhancing his reputation as one of the season’s standout performers.

Bred by Maine Chance Farms, Star Major is by the farm’s stalwart sire Querari out of the Silvano mare Star In The Sky, representing two of the Robertson nursery’s most influential stallions.

Querari has developed into one of South Africa’s most consistent sires. Year after year he continues to produce top-class performers, with his progeny renowned for their toughness, versatility and will to win. This season has been another memorable one for the son of Oasis Dream, with Questioning emerging as a horse to follow for the season.

For Maine Chance Farms, Star Major’s success is another feather in the cap for a breeding operation that has consistently produced horses capable of competing at the highest level. With Querari continuing to deliver quality performers season after season, the veteran sire remains one of the country’s most reliable sources of stakes winners.

Congratulations to trainer James Crawford, jockey Mickaelle Michel, owners Neville Isdell, Mr J I Bloch, Mrs Prakashni Pillay and Kalinga, winning groom Sonwanili Swabo, and breeder Maine Chance Farms on a memorable Grade 1 success.