The race for the R10 million Hollywoodbets Durban July has taken a dramatic turn following a pivotal weekend of action that reshaped the complexion of South Africa’s premier horse racing event.
With the final supplementary entry deadline now passed, 29 horses remain in contention for a place in the prestigious 2 200m contest at Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse on Saturday, 4 July.
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Strengthened his credentials
Topping the ante-post betting market at 3/1 is exciting three-year-old Star Major, who strengthened his credentials after winning the Grade 1 Daily News 2000 for trainer James Crawford.
He is followed by Note To Self (4/1), Wish List (5/1), Happy Verse (6/1), Regulation (8/1) and Legal Counsel (25/2) – all, incredibly, from the Justin Snaith yard.
South Africa’s richest race
According to the Sportingpost, the weekend also saw two new contenders enter the Durban July picture after being supplemented for the country’s richest race.
Trainer Mike de Kock added Aladdin’s Lamp to the field following his victory in the Grade 3 Jubilee Stakes, while Zeitz earned his place after landing the Grade 3 Cup Trial for Plattner Racing.
While new challengers emerged, several established names saw their Durban July hopes come to an end.
Among those withdrawn from contention were defending champion The Real Prince, as well as See It Again, Parisian Walkway, Aristotle, Grand Empire, Atticus Finch, JP’s Palace, Wild Intent, Fire Attack, Buster Barnes and Otto Luyken.
Fiercely contested renewal
The final Durban July field will comprise 18 runners, with two reserves also selected.
With just weeks remaining until South Africa’s biggest horse race, the latest developments have significantly altered the betting landscape, setting the stage for what promises to be a fiercely contested renewal of the iconic event.
Hollywoodbets Durban July latest entrant list
| Horse | Merit rating | Trainer |
| Aladdin’s Lamp | 110 | Mike / Mathew de Kock |
| Choisaanada | 121 | Erico Verdonese |
| Chronicle King | 115 | Candice / Tammy Dawson |
| Copper Eagle | 110 | Robyn Klaasen |
| Curious Girl | 100 | Mike / Mathew de Kock |
| Enflame | 112 | Candice / Tammy Dawson |
| Field Marshal | 110 | Nathan Kotzen |
| Gladitorian | 127 | Stuart Ferrie |
| Happy Verse | 119 | Justin Snaith |
| Hazy Dazy | 117 | Corne Spies |
| Holding Thumbs | 119 | Glen Kotzen |
| I Salute You | 113 | Peter Muscutt |
| Isivivane | 108 | Peter Muscutt |
| King Pelles | 122 | Gareth van Zyl |
| La Pugla | 105 | Candice Bass |
| Legal Counsel | 128 | Justin Snaith |
| Minogue | 116 | Candice / Tammy Dawson |
| Mocha Blend | 117 | Frank Robinson |
| Native Ruler | 121 | Justin Snaith |
| Note To Self | 118 | Justin Snaith |
| Olivia’s Way | 114 | Roy Magner |
| Regulation | 106 | Justin Snaith |
| Shoot The Rapids | 117 | Nathan Kotzen |
| Star Major | 122 | James Crawford |
| Tenpenny | 105 | Patrick Kruyer |
| The Ultimate King | 117 | Tony Peter |
| Viva’s Liberte | 114 | Candice Bass |
| Wish List | 117 | Justin Snaith |
| Zeitz | 110 | Andre Nel |
Final supplementary entries can still be made by 11:00 on Monday, 15 June.
- Weights: Monday, 15 June
- Final declarations: by 11:00 on Monday, 22 June
- Final field & draws: Tuesday, 23 June
- Public gallops: Thursday, 25 June
