Hollywoodbets Durban July 2026: Final field unveiled

A capacity field of 18 runners, plus two reserves, has been confirmed for the 130th running of the Hollywoodbets Durban July, Africa’s richest graded horse race, to be held at Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse on Saturday, 4 July.

Sponsored for a fifth consecutive year by Hollywoodbets, the Grade 1 spectacle boasts a record R10 million purse, with the winning connections set to pocket an unprecedented R6 million – the largest winner’s cheque in African graded racing history.

Revised handicap conditions

This year’s renewal marks another significant evolution for the iconic 2 200m contest, with prize money now extending to the first 12 finishers in a move aimed at rewarding a broader spectrum of owners, trainers and jockeys.

The race will be run under revised handicap conditions for the first time, restoring the traditional 10kg weight spread across the field.

The bottom weight has been reduced from 53kg to 52kg, while the top weight increases from 60kg to 62kg, reinforcing the July’s status as a true open handicap.

Defending champion The Real Prince will not return to defend his crown, with connections opting to target the Hong Kong Jockey Club Champions Cup later in the season.

Nevertheless, the class of 2026 promises a fascinating contest featuring five Grade 1 winners and six fillies and mares.

International flavour

The international flavour of the event is highlighted by the presence of overseas-based riders Zac Lloyd, Chad Schofield and Mickaelle Michel – the only female jockey in the field – alongside South African expatriate Mark du Plessis.

Much of the pre-race attention surrounds the powerful stable of five-time Durban July-winning trainer Justin Snaith, who sends out a five-pronged challenge as he bids to move ahead of fellow training legend Mike de Kock, who is also tied on five victories.

Australian jockey Zac Lloyd, fresh from riding a winner at Royal Ascot, was originally booked for the now-scratched Happy Verse but instead takes the reins aboard Regulation after drawing gate two.

Veteran jockey Andrew Fortune, who is expected to be making his final appearance in the great race, chose to partner dual Grade 1-winning filly Wish List from the Snaith stable and expressed satisfaction with his draw in stall seven. Remarkably, Fortune is still searching for a first Durban July victory.

Previous winners

Only five jockeys in this year’s line-up have previously won the race.

They are Craig Zackey, Richard Fourie, JP van der Merwe, Gavin Lerena and Kabelo Matsunyane.

Zackey, who guided The Real Prince to victory in 2025, will ride Viva’s Liberte for trainer Candice Bass. Bass made history in 2017 when Marinaresco became the first Durban July winner trained by a woman.

The Dawson sisters will also be represented by the mare Minogue, who will be partnered by reigning South African champion jockey Gavin Lerena, winner of the 2021 Durban July aboard Kommetdieding.

Stage is set

With a star-studded field, a record purse and revised conditions adding another layer of intrigue, the stage is set for another memorable chapter in the storied history of South Africa’s greatest horse race.

Fans can get an early glimpse of the contenders at the traditional public gallops, scheduled to take place from 06:30 on Thursday, 25 June.

Latest betting

Topping the betting following the final field announcement at 33/10 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), Regulation (6/1) – all from the Justin Snaith yard.

They are followed by Native Ruler and Viva’s Liberte, both at 14/1.

Hollywoodbets Durban July final field