Gareth van Zyl
In spite of all the visitors arriving in KZN with the cream of their respective yards for Champions Season, Gareth van Zyl has held his own. He currently leads the local trainer’s log in the face of tough opposition from Garth Puller and Alyson Wright but Gareth won nine races from his 32 runners this term that included a red letter day at Hollywoodbets Scottsville where he saddled six winners.
Gareth is Race Coast’s Trainer of the Month for June.
Sean Veale
After an early hiccup in his relationship with Hollywood Racing as their retained jockey, Sean has mended relations with Hollywood Racing’s principal Anthony Delpech and things have been running smoothly since. When not aboard a Hollywood Racing hopeful he is in demand by other trainers, notable his former boss Stuart Ferrie. Sean rode 11 winners this month, two more than Champion Jockey Richard Fourie.
Sean Veale is Race Coast’s jockey of the month for May
MJ Odendaal
In spite of visiting trainers bringing their big guns to bare, dominating South Africa’s Champion Season and collecting most of the feature races, MJ Odendaal has managed to hold his own. Although only sixth on the table of stakes won, he is at the top as far as the number of winner’s go. He saddled six at a 16% strike rate. MJ is one of the colourful characters of the sport and is good value for winners and entertaining to boot.
MJ Odendaal is Race Coast’s jockey of the month for May.
Peter Muscutt
Winners were spread across a host of trainers this month. As far as stakes went, Mike and Mathew de Kock headed the table although they only had two winners from their 18 runners. Alyson Wright had four winners from her 37 runners but leading the percentages was Peter Muscutt who was way clear. His four winners came from just seven runners for a 57% winning strike rate with two of those winners coming on the same evening with Nelson Bay’s victory being a particularly special win for the trainer.
Peter Muscutt is Gold Circle’s Trainer of the Month for March
Andrew Fortune
The Gold Circle Jockey of the Month is generally reserved for KZN-based riders but the table was headed by Kabelo Matsunyane with six wins with Tristan Godden and Muzi Yeni next best with four each. However, Andrew Fortune, riding in his first meeting in KZN since regaining his jockey lisence put in what was arguably the finest ride of the month when scoring on Peter Muscutt’s runner Nelson Bay. It was a master class in jockeyship and a race that stands repeated viewing. “It’s very seldom they get the honey pot out of my hands,” Fortune quipped post-race.
Andrew Fortune is Gold Circle’s Jockey of the Month for March
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!
