Andrew Harrison

The hunt for a berth in the 18-horse field for the Gr1 Hollywoodbets Durban July starts in earnest today with the Gr3 WSB 1900, a race that has proved to be a good pointer to the outcome of Africa’s greatest horserace.

Justin Snaith is on record that he has brought all of his best horses up from the Cape for Champions Season and he holds a strong hand with four competitive runners. Best could be Okavango who has won three of his seven starts and won well on this course last time out. Although out at the weights, he has a light weight and if he wins here he should get into the July with close to bottom weight for his age group. Stable companion Future Swing was just two lengths off stable star Eight On Eighteen in the Gr1 WSB Cape Met and is hardly out of the money of late. He won this race last year beating Winchester Mansion who went on to win the July although he may possibly need to win this to cement a July berth this time around.

Progressive three-year-old and recent Sledgehammer winner I Salute You has the deepest draw but Peter Muscutt will still have hopes of qualifying his charge for a crack at the July. However, Mike Miller’s consistent gelding Narina Trogon and Selukwe from the Andre Nel yard are both significantly better off in the handicap given their meeting in The Sledgehammer which could prove telling.

Supporting feature is the KRA Cup where Milnerton-based Candice Bass-Robinson can get off the mark with Future Variety who boasts useful Cape form in Gr1 company. He goes well this trip and should go close to winning in this company. Ziyasha has his first run for Clinton Binda and she comes with smart Cape form over the distance. He has a fairly deep draw and a big weight but looks more than capable. Luhamba Phambili ran a cracker last time out behind the heavily supported O’Tenikwa starting at long odds. He has run two smart races since arriving from the Cape and from a plum draw should be competitive. Garth Puller has declared first time blinkers for veteran African Skyline who was caught late by Teflon Man last start and drops back to 1000m. The blinkers could make him a lot sharper.

The PA kicks off in the third on the nine-race card and Promise Of Fire and Shesha Inombi should get punters through safely. Promise Of Fire had been up against males in soft ground until her improved last run. She gets first time blinkers and can make the required improvement in modest company. Shesha Intombi has shown signs of coming to hand and has the measure of Promise Of Fire on a line through their last meeting but blinkers could be the key.

In the first leg of the Pick 6, Lemon Thyme was narrowly beaten over course and distance last time out and has made steady improvement. She looks primed for this. Biggest danger is likely to be Greenlight Skye who has been showing good form over further in the Cape. That form should hold up and she will go close over this shorter trip.

The fifth is a wide open handicap but Captain Peg makes the trip from the Highveld for Stuart Pettigrew. She has useful form in strong company and will have benefitted from her last effort after a lengthy break. Khethiwe’s Destiny has been knocking at the door for Mike and Mathew de Kock and the step up in trip could suit. She is 1.5kg better off with recent winner Bevies Delight and can turn the tables. Corrie Lensley is a rare Highveld visitor and he saddles Sonic Jet has useful Highveld form over the trip and has a plum draw. Sohot Sowhat  has won two of her four Cape starts and Gavin Lerena stays with the ride. She was beaten by the weights last time out.

The eight is another open handicap but Regulation is another Justin Snaith July entry. He is lightly raced but comes with consistent Cape form although he does shoulder top weight. El Rey Viene has been knocking at the door for some time now. He has a handy weight and a good draw which should see him competitive. Vila Vicosa is seldom far back and was close up behind Okavango last time out although he was in receipt of 8.5kg from the winner. He only has 50kg to carry here. Bad Medicine has shown improved form with a change of stable and Lerena is back on board.

The last result can rest between Princess Palace and Sign Of Fate. Princess Palace has been in good form with blinkers and from a plum draw can be rewarded for her consistency. Sign Of Fate has been up against stronger of late and not too far back. The drop in class should see her closer. Rugger Lover steps up in trip but has been close-up in her last four and if staying the extra could be a strong contender while Buttercup Baby is lightly raced and way better than her last run. She is one to watch in the betting.

Justin Snaith is looking for a 3-year-old to represent his stable in the Hollywoodbets Durban July. The race will tell whether it could be the exciting Okavango or Native Ruler as they take on older horses in an open contest.

Trainer Comments in current market order :

8️⃣ Okavango :”A big jump in class. He’s got a low weight of 52kgs. He’s has an okay draw at 8 and over this distance it shouldn’t be a problem. He is fit”, Justin Snaith.

9️⃣ Native Ruler : “Very well weighted. If he gets the run of the race, he could be the horse they all have to beat”, Justin Snaith.

6️⃣ Future Swing : “He’s missed quite a bit of work. He’ll be wearing a tongue tie for the first time which I’m hoping will get a couple of lengths out of him”, Justin Snaith.

1️⃣0️⃣ Holding Thumbs : “He’s a serious horse and probably one of the best I’ve trained for a long time. We’ve nominated him for the July. If we can qualify him at bottom weight, he’ll be very dangerous”, Glen Kotzen.

5️⃣ Underworld : “He is extremely fit. He has come on all of a sudden. He is the dark horse in the race”, Justin Snaith.

1️⃣ Shoot The Rapids : “He’s got a good draw, but quite a bit of a weight though. He carried 61 ½ and won the other day, so 58 is a bit lighter than that. He’s in a good space,” Frank Robinson.

4️⃣Narina Trogon : “He’s in a very good space and we’re expecting a big run from him”, Lilli Christiansen.

7️⃣ Madison Valley : “I gave him two 1600’s to get him back into shape and now he is spot-on. Look for a big run from him”, Frank Robinson

1️⃣3️⃣ Selukwe : “He’s in the right space to take on a field like this. He’s drawn deep and needs a pace to settle off. Nicely weighted and he’ll run an honest race”, Byron Foster.

1️⃣1️⃣ Cape Eagle : “He needed his first run this year and in his last, he was very gutsy in the finish. He’s versatile as he can race forward or from off the pace. He’s a fitter horse now”, Byron Foster.

1️⃣4️⃣I Salute You : “It’s a big step up in class for him. He does come in with bottom weight of 52, which will assist his cause. He’s only ever run up to a mile, but I’ve always thought he wants ground. He does everything right in a race”, Peter Muscutt.

3️⃣ Infinite Wonder : “Third run after 18 months off the track. Finished 6 lengths off Let’s Go Now in the Gr2 TAB Colorado King Stakes last time out,” Racing News.

4️⃣ Thunee Playa : “A winner in January, but will need to find on his last 2 runs to be competitive here”,

Racing News. 🏇🏽Race 7 : 15:15 : Hollywoodbets Greyille : Saturday 10 May 2025 👍🏽

CLICK for racecard : https://m.hollywoodbets.net/betting/8…

🎥: Nkululeko Mbhele

🎤: Michele Wing Racing News Social TV

📷: Candiese Lenferna

Durban – Following the acquisition of Gold Circle (Pty) Ltd by Hollywood Racing Enterprises (Pty) Ltd (Hollywood), a shareholders meeting was held on 2 May 2025 at which the following Directors were appointed to the Board of Gold Circle:

Suren Rampersadh

Zandile Maseko

Morgan Shandu

Greg Bortz

Sadha Naidoo

Subsequently, at a meeting of Directors held on 7 May 2025, Mr Sadha Naidoo was appointed Chairman of Gold Circle, an office that he will hold until the conclusion of the Champions Season on 31 July 2025.

The Board requested Mr Naidoo to accept this position in recognition of the part that he has played throughout the transition.

At the same meeting, Mr Greg Bortz was appointed as the Chairman Designate, to take office on 1 August 2025. 

Durban, South Africa – The countdown has begun! The 129th edition of Africa’s premier horse racing and social spectacular, the Hollywoodbets Durban July (HDJ), is set to take place on Saturday, 5th July 2025, at the iconic Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse. As the most anticipated fixture on South Africa’s racing calendar, the event seamlessly blends world-class horse racing with high fashion, entertainment, and a memorable social experience.

Staying true to the theme of “Marvels of Mzansi,” this year’s racing extravaganza promises an iconic line-up of South African talent, featuring a diverse array of artists set to captivate all attendees throughout the day. The national anthem will be beautifully performed by one of the country’s leading songstresses – look out for the reveal in May. With these performances, the thousands of attendees expected at Hollywoodbets Greyville will have a memorable experience. Stay tuned for the full artist line-up. All ticket holders can look forward to a day filled with live entertainment that will be talked about for years to come, as this year’s HDJ celebrates Mzansi’s vibrant spirit. 

Tickets for this outstanding event are now officially on sale via Ticketpro (www.ticketpro.co.za). Priced at R230 for general admission, your ticket grants access to a day of thrilling racing action, live entertainment, fashion showcases, gourmet food experiences, and an array of engaging activations from event partners. For added convenience, onsite parking is available for R170 per vehicle.

For those seeking an elevated experience, the VIP hospitality packages provide exclusive access to luxurious enclosures, premium viewing areas, and top-tier catering. These options can be explored on the official event website (www.hollywoodbetsdurbanjuly.co.za). Please note that VIP hospitality packages do not include general admission tickets, which must be purchased separately via Ticketpro.

This year’s theme, “Marvels Of Mzansi”, was unveiled in late February, marking the official commencement of the Hollywoodbets Durban July Fashion Experience, presented by Durban Fashion Fair. The fashion programme includes the much-anticipated HDJ Young Designer Award, showcasing the best up-and-coming talents from KwaZulu-Natal. The winners will share the spotlight with the HDJ Invited Designers and DFF Rising Stars at the HDJ Fashion Preview Gala, set to take place at Gateway Theatre of Shopping in late June.

Racing enthusiasts can also look forward to the announcement of the first official entrants on Wednesday, 23 April 2025. With last year’s champion, Oriental Charm, emerging as the early ante-post favourite, excitement is already building. 

Secure your tickets today and experience Africa’s greatest horse racing and social event, the Hollywoodbets Durban July!