Africa’s Premier Horseracing Event
Across the globe, certain events captivate entire nations, and in South Africa, the Grade 1 Hollywoodbets Durban July, held at Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse in Durban, is the epitome of such an occasion.
Widely recognized as Africa’s premier horseracing spectacle, the Hollywoodbets Durban July has been a consistent fixture on the calendar since its inaugural run on Saturday, July 17, 1897. That year, Campanajo claimed victory in the Durban Turf Club Handicap over 1600m on the Western Vlei of Greyville Racecourse.
Approximately 3,000 spectators attended the first event, unaware that it would grow to attract crowds exceeding 50,000 in later years. On one occasion, the gates were even closed for security reasons after the venue reached full capacity.
From the outset, fashion has been an integral part of the event, with attendees at the first race dressed in their finest. Over the decades, the Hollywoodbets Durban July has evolved into South Africa’s leading fashion and entertainment extravaganza, drawing visitors and media from around the world to experience or cover this iconic occasion.
While the day is synonymous with glamour and entertainment, the heart of the event remains the competition between South Africa’s top thoroughbreds. For horses, jockeys, trainers, owners, and grooms, participating in the race is the pinnacle of their careers. As the entries roll in, debates about potential winners intensify, reaching fever pitch as race day approaches.
Legendary Thoroughbreds
Over the years, many exceptional horses from renowned stables, ridden by some of the finest jockeys, have graced the Durban July.
Among its most legendary participants is Sea Cottage, whose tale remains etched in racing folklore. In 1966, the champion was struck by a sniper’s bullet during a training session weeks before the race. Despite the bullet lodged in his hindquarters, Sea Cottage finished fourth, behind his stablemate Java Head. A year later, with an uninterrupted preparation, he shared victory in a dead heat with Jollify, despite conceding an incredible 12 kilograms.
Only six horses have managed to win the Durban July twice. Most recently, Justin Snaith’s aptly named Do It Again achieved back-to-back victories in 2018 and 2019. Before him, El Picha broke a 50-year drought for double winners by triumphing in 1999 and 2000. Another standout was London News, who claimed victory in the race’s centenary edition before going on to win the QE II Cup in Hong Kong.
Fillies and mares have claimed victory just 13 times in the event’s 124-year history. In the 21st century, standout winners include Ipi Tombe (2002), Dancer’s Daughter (2008), and Igugu (2011).
The debate over the greatest Durban July winner of all time remains unresolved, but Sea Cottage’s legacy ensures he is always part of the conversation.
Top Trainers and Jockeys
On the training front, Mike de Kock and Justin Snaith each boast five Durban July wins, putting them within reach of the legendary Syd Laird’s record of seven victories. Terrance Millard came close, finishing his career with six wins.
Among jockeys, Anton Marcus leads with five wins, while Piere Strydom, who hinted at retirement after the 2021 event, is chasing a record-equalling fifth victory. Other notable jockeys include Bertie Hayden, Felix Coetzee, and Richard Fourie, each with three wins.
An Unmissable Occasion
The Hollywoodbets Durban July is more than a race; it is a celebration of excellence and spectacle. The event includes a strong supporting card of races, headlined by the Grade 1 Jonsson Workwear Garden Province Stakes, a premier contest for fillies and mares.
With only 18 runners allowed in the main race, those who miss the cut compete in another 2200m event, which has occasionally produced faster times than the headline race.
The day’s lineup also features two Grade 2 juvenile races, the Durban Golden Horseshoe and the Golden Slipper, alongside other key contests that mark significant milestones in South Africa’s racing season. The Grade 3 Gold Vase over 3000m adds diversity, offering stayers a chance to shine ahead of the Gold Cup marathon over 3200m later in July.
As the centerpiece of South Africa’s racing industry, the Hollywoodbets Durban July has placed the country firmly on the international horseracing map. It is a must-see event for anyone seeking the thrill, glamour, and tradition of Africa’s most exciting racing spectacle.
