Hollywoodbets Durban July 2026: Bumper 63 first entries received

Excitement is building ahead of the Hollywoodbets Durban July after the release of the first entries for the 2026 renewal.

Apr 22, 2026 - 14:11

Hollywoodbets Durban July 2026: Bumper 63 first entries received

Excitement is building ahead of the Hollywoodbets Durban July after the release of the first entries for the 2026 renewal, with a strong field of 63 horses confirmed for Africa’s richest race.

Leading trainer Justin Snaith dominates the early list with 10 entries, including top contenders See It Again and Eight On Eighteen.

The latter, last season’s South African Horse of the Year, is set for a potential rematch with defending champion The Real Prince, trained by Dean Kannemeyer.

Record prize money on offer

The 130th edition of the prestigious race, scheduled for Saturday, 4 July at Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse, will feature a record R10 million prize purse – making it the richest graded race ever staged in Africa.

The race will be contested over 2 200m.

Race organisers have also confirmed a return to a traditional open handicap format, with weight adjustments aimed at enhancing competitiveness.

The spread now ranges from 52kg to 62kg.

Strong contenders across the board

According to Sporting Post, among the standout entries is Mocha Blend from the yard of Frank Robinson, winner of the 2025 Betway Summer Cup.

She shares top billing among the female runners with Hazy Dazy, trained by Corne Spies.

Other prominent trainers with multiple entries include Mike de Kock – in partnership with his son Mathew – and Alec Laird, whose stable is led by Summer Cup winner Atticus Finch.

In total, 29 stables are represented, including several previous Durban July-winning yards.

Snaith and De Kock are tied as the most successful among them, each with five past victories.

Competitive and diverse field

This year’s entries include 13 fillies and mares and 21 three-year-olds, reflecting a balanced and competitive field.

The number of entries is slightly up from last year’s 61, continuing strong participation trends in recent years.

Notably, eight entries come from female trainers, including pioneering conditioner Candice Bass, who made history in 2017 as the first woman to win the race.

Bigger rewards, higher stakes

In another significant change, prize money will now be awarded to the first 12 finishers, up from 10 previously. The winning connections stand to earn a record R6 million.

A national panel of racing experts will be tasked with selecting the final field, ensuring the integrity and competitiveness of the event.

With a deep and high-quality entry list, all signs point to another thrilling edition of South Africa’s premier horse racing spectacle.