David Thiselton

The Hollywoodbets Durban July Gallops attracted a huge crowd and an upbeat one too with Bafana Bafana having lifted the spirits of the nation a couple of hours earlier.

The Hollywoodbets Durban July runners were all turned out in immaculate condition but opinions varied on which of them had put in the best gallops.

The topweight Legal Counsel got the ball rolling under Callan Murray and put in a nice relaxed gallop and stretched out nicely in the straight. Murray said the son of Legislate had “picked up sharply for a big boy” and he added he was excited going into the race.

Gladatorian was next out and stood stock still at the 1400m mark and surveyed his surrounds, which is always the sign of a horse who is full of well-being. He then let himself down beautifully throughout the gallop. Muzi Yeni described him as going so well it felt as if he was floating and said his quality was akin to “Ronaldo on the pitch”. He jumps from a better draw this year than last and has enjoyed a fine preparation. Gladatorian has to be hugely respected despite having to carry 61,5kg.

Viva’s Liberte strode out well, but the question was whether he did too much. He does tend to take a strong hold in his races and consequently draw three is perfect for him as he should find cover. If he does settle better than normal he will be a runner as he is 4kg better off with the favourite Star Major for a four length beating.

The Ultimate King worked on the Highveld and impressed with his big stride as he drew away from his companion.

I Salute You jumped from the 1400m mark with Richard Fourie up and galloped resolutely in a nice relaxed manner. He let himself down beautifully and threw his front feet out well. Zeitz is fancied by a few but I Salute You is actually weighted to beat him on the weight turnaround from the Betgames Cup Trial.

On the Highveld the favourite Star Major put up a workout over 1000m under big race rider Mickaelle Michel and picked his legs up nicely in a pleasing gallop.

Isivivane relaxed well in his gallop under big race rider Sean Veale and quickened superbly at the top of the straight. He impressed in the straight and put in a quick 400m to finish time.

Regulation, with Tristan Godden up,  strode out well throughout but didn’t give much away. Trainer Justin Snaith mentioned afterwards the breathing issues this horse has, but said he had sounded fine today.

On the Highveld Hazy Dazy stretched out well on a gallop on the sand under big race rider Trent Mayhew.

Note To Self looked to be in fine fettle and used his big action well throughout while looking nice and relaxed. His big race rider Richard Fourie said afterwards this horse was no longer a “big puppy” and was now “a proper horse who had woken up and was in the right space.” He made him a big runner at the weights, considering he had come on from the Daily News 2000 and was 2kg better off with Star Major for a three length beating.

On the Highveld Olivia’s Way strode out well on the grass under Blaine Marx-Jacobson, although she did seem to held her head slightly to the left hand side.

Minogue strode out impressively on the grass on the Highveld in what was one of the most eye-catching gallops of the day.

Native Ruler strode out well and quickened well in the straight although he did have his normal relatively high head carriage with the head held to the left hand side.

Aladdin’s Lamp caught the eye with his effortlessly big stride in a workout on the sand on the Highveld.

Wish List worked under big race rider Andrew Fortune with companion Kubu and moved well before quickening nicely at the top of the straight. Fortune said later, “She couldn’t blow out a candle and she just does it so easily.”

Zeitz worked with stable companion Ice Rain and strode out well before quickening well and putting in a good finish under big race rider Serino Moodley. Later Moodley said the striking grey was “spot on” and added he wished the race was this weekend.

The first reserve runner Choisanaada stretched out superbly in an eye-catching grass workout on the Highveld.

King Pelles was ridden by Nicolas Patel and sat behind stable companion Dubai Dude before turning it on nicely in the straight and galloping al the way to the line.

Mocha Blend put in a fine gallop with stable companion Son Of Raj and it put the cherry on the top of what looks to have been a fine preparation.

Second reserve Curious Girl was not asked to gallop having raced last Saturday.

July Fever could be felt on course and the build up from now on in to July the 4th will see it soaring in the race that grips the nation.

David Thiselton

The highest rated race at Turffontein Standside on Saturday is a MR96 Handicap over 2400m and it could be fought out by Corrupt and Bellerephon.

Corrupt has 4,70 lengths to make up on Bellerephon from their last meeting over this trip at the Vaal, but he now has his third run after a layoff and is now 3kg better off. He does have a tricky draw of five out of eight but can be dropped out in this small field as he is capable of a strong, resolute finish down the long Turffontein Standside straight.

Bellerephon ran on well last time when drawn widest of all in a seven horse field over course and distance. He didn’t have the best luck in running and can do better, so would not be a surprise winner.

One More Star is by One World and is a half-brother to Triple Crown winner Malmoos so will stay the trip and he has the advantage of Mickaelle Michel’s 1,5kg gender claim, although he does have to overcome draw eight of eight.

Those three make most appeal.

In the first leg of the Pick 6 over 1160m Highwayman Harry has been knocking on the door and is the one to beat. Berry Lance is on the up and could be the main threat.

In the sixth race over 1400m Tracksuit Dave is in good form and from a good draw over a suitable trip should go close. Trombolines will enjoy the step up in trip but does have to overcome a wide draw. Quevano should be in the shake up if able to overcome a wide draw.

In the seventh over 1160m Precocious has good form and should be right there. Blizzard Snow ran a cracker last time and with a repeat will be a threat. A Bit Of Class has some class so is interesting put back over a sprint and should be running on.

In the eighth over 1160m Dad’s Dream will enjoy the drop back in trip and should go close. Play With The Wind has disappointed in her last two starts but with second time blinkers on she could bounce back. Cold Shine goes for a hattrick and off a three point higher mark could be in the shake up again.

In the ninth over 1160m Kia Kaha bounced back with a good win last time with first time cheekpieces and that might have done the trick as she has always struck as one with plenty of ability. She can follow up off a merit rating she can rise above. Pointer ran a cracker last time and with the draw bias not really noticeable down the straight anymore can go close from a low draw.

In the third race over 1160m Rendezvous In Rio is knocking hard and is the one to beat.

In the second over 1160m Perfect Sky should be right there.

In the first race the horse to beat is Gimme Some Luck who is unbeaten in two starts, including a Sales Cup, and looks to be a decent sort. Fierceness looks a decent sort too and should be right there and Catfish has a chance if he takes his place having run two days earlier.

RACE 1

FYFIELD LEGEND has been runner-up in six of his last seven starts. He deserves a winning turn and could like this longer distance. MAESTRO AZUL has been well beaten in both starts so far but can improve this course and distance. SILVA STREAKER showed improvement on the Polytrack and could be a threat to these rivals. TRICKLE CHARGE is likely to improve after a modest debut and does have Richard Fourie aboard. WEEKEND IN ASPEN makes a debut but could need this run. YOU’RE MY ANGEL is improving and might play a minor role.

RACE 2

A weak race. SATELLITE WORLD has been consistent without scoring but really does get an ideal opportunity to get a first win. TOTAL ERUPTION is unreliable but can earn some money. DEAD POETS SOCIETY has some fair recent form and could like this course and distance. STRAIGHT RED and PEEKABOO have shown some improvement and are not out of it. NIGHT IN JAPAN has shown improvement of late and could do even better for Richard Fourie. CAN WE START could improve and is also not out of it.

RACE 3

A small field but some decent sprinters. CRUISE CONTROL has won 5 from 7 over this particular course and distance so sets the standard. FAIRY KNIGHT is lethal over a bit further than this but would not be a surprise winner. ANUSCHKA’S WORLD is hat-trick seeking after some game wins and will not go down easily. CLIFF TOP has been at his very best on the Polytrack so his connections will be hoping for a switch to that surface. INSTAWORTHY and GALILEO STAR tackle tough opposition but might earn some minor money.

RACE 4

ZINOVI continues with his impressive form and has now won 6 of his last 8 starts. He was solid again on the Polytrack last time out but is just as good on the turf and should prove hard to beat. ZATARA MAGIC has ability but is returning from a break and is better over a bit further than this. LANCIAFIAMME has a victory over ZINOVI but that was on a soft track and he has a few losses to that rival as well. MR FOX showed improvement last time out and can contest the finish. BRENDAN JAMES and GLOBAL STATE need to find a few lengths to win but might earn some minor money.

RACE 5

A very open looking race and it might pay to go very wide in the Pick 6 in this leg. JOHNNY DRAMA is in good form and could be ready to score. ACTION AMERICA showed a return to form in his latest start and could have more to offer. QONDANEKUKHANYENI and IM THE BUZZ have both been consistent of late and are in with a winning chance. CHEERFUL CHARLIE B and PARDON ME are unreliable but capable of scoring. SILENT TRIGGER, MELA STRENGTH and BLACK PATH all return to the turf and could surprise.

RACE 6

Another very open race. VILA VICOSA may have needed his last two starts and should be a threat to these rivals with Muzi Yeni in the irons. CIAN THE CONQUEROR did not like the Polytrack last time out and could bounce back to score. STOKESY showed improvement last time and should have more to offer. CORAL CREEK is course and distance suited and looks the one to beat. HOODWINKED and AWAY WITH RED are others to include in large Pick 6 permutations.

RACE 7

The TAB Dahlia Plate (Listed) sees some promising juveniles. US RANGER put it all together with an impressive victory last time out. That was over this course and distance and it was the first time he has beaten rival MASTER MTOTO. Jockey Craig Zackey was aboard MASTER MTOTO for both of those wins and he did not ride him last time out so it should at least be interesting to see who gets the success this time. FIRST OFFICER is consistent but does usually finish behind both those rivals. VENTURA BOULEVARD was a wide margin winner on debut but did not repeat it when trying Group 1 company last time out.

RACE 8

A competitive last race. SLASH ‘N BURN (IRE) may have needed the experience on the Polytrack last time out. He has improved with blinkers on and could score. OVERTURE shows promise but may well be looking for further. RHYTHM is consistent and will not go down easily. RHYDIAN has looked unlucky not to have won both recent starts and should fight out the finish once again. POLICY OF TRUTH, BELCANTO DREAM and TIGER STORM all make their local debut after changing trainers and could improve. FLIGHT ENGINEER is a difficult ride but capable of earning some money.

Hollywoodbets Greyville Saturday 4 July 2026. Net Pick 6 Carryover R2 Million. Estimated Pool: R15 Million. Race 4 off at 13h40.

Hollywoodbets Greyville Saturday 4 July 2026. Net Quartet Carryover R1 Million. Estimated Pool: R10 Million. Race 7 off at 16h00.

Please note: South African Quartet Pools with fractional betting offered at Leicester and Newcastle (UK) – 25 June 2026.

David Thiselton

Mickaelle Michel would never have believed in her wildest dreams when landing in South Africa last December that she would be aboard the favourite for South Africa’s greatest race, the Hollywoodbets Durban July, just seven months later. However, she will have to defy 43 years of history even if ignoring the fact that she would become the first female jockey to ever win the big race.

Mark Sutherland was the last jockey to ride the winner of the July in his first ride in the great race and that happened in 1983 on the filly Tecla Bluff, who was the first of the great trainer Terrance Millard’s six July winners.

The previous jockey to achieve the feat was Leslie Mustard, who won on the Des Rich-trained Lightning Shot in 1977 in his first July ride.

Before Mustard one would have to go as far back as 1959 to find another case.

1959 was a historic year, because the Oppenheimer family had the first of their nine July wins either as owners, breeders, or both, as their homebred four-year-old Tiger Fish made amends for his short-head defeat the previous year, He was ridden to a convincing 2,25 length victory by Bennie Little in the latter’s first ever July ride.

Bennie was the grandfather of current jockey Chad Little.

Whilst the Oppenheimer family have a fine chance this year of making it a tenth July victory with their Frank Robinson-trained homebred filly Mocha Blend, an opportunity for history to repeat itself was missed when Holding Thumbs did not make it into the final field earlier this week as this Glen Kotzen-trained Vercingetorix gelding was bred by the Oppenheimer family and Chad Little was due to ride him.

It would have been Chad’s second career July ride, his first having been 21 years ago on Tyson who finished 11^th in the 2005 July.

Mickaelle will become only the second woman to have ridden in the iconic race.

Rachel Venniker made history when riding in the Hollywoodbets Durban July in 2024.

She might get a second ride in the big race this year as she is booked to ride the first reserve runner Choisaanada, an Erico Verdonese-trained horse who was somewhat controversially left out of the top 18 having been a top 18 incumbent on the last Hollywoodbets Durban July log.

It was in fact the second time a Verdonese-trained horse who had been set to be ridden by Venniker was eliminated at the last minute as the Verdonese-trained Jimmy Don was 18th on the final log in 2023, but did not make the cut.

Rachel had been set to make her July debut in 2022, but suffered a concussion and whiplash injury after a freak starting-gate accident just five days before the big race.

When she did finally have a July ride two years ago it was aboard the outsider Hluhluwe, a three-year-old 40-1 chance trained by Justin Snaith,

and she finished a 5,35 length eleventh.

Venniker and Verdonese will be hoping there is a scratching before 08H15 on Friday July 3.

The July is not an easy race to ride in, so experience would be an advantage, but a professional of Mickaelle Michel’s standing would go in with plenty of meticulous homework and preparation having been done. July replays, for example, would be a valuable tool for a first-time rider in the race and there are plenty of current jockeys and ex-jockeys who would be willing to offer advice.

There will be many hoping the popular French jockey can make history in about ten days time on the fourth of July.

David Thiselton

Peter Muscutt spoke about the draws of one and fourteen for his two Hollywoodbets Durban July runners, Isivivane and I Salute You respectively, at Summerveld yesterday morning. He also gave feedback on his Gr 2 Durban Golden Horseshoe runner St. Harry.

Isivivane jumped well from draw two last time out in the Gr 3 WSB 1900. Sean Veale managed to settle him in the box seat behind the pacemaker Trust. From there he ran on well down the inside to win the race by 0,60 lengths from Regulation.

Peter said about his pole position July draw, “It is probably a very good draw for him. It can be a bit of an awkward barrier if they miss the break or don’t manage to hold their position early, but he’s pretty sharp out of the gates. We would have to be positive on him and he should get a very cosy run in transit from that barrier.”

Isivivane is by Erupt (Dubawi), who won two Gr 1s over 2400m. He is out of a mare by Casey Tibbs, a Sadler’s Wells stallion who won two Listed races over 2000m. Furthermore, Isivivane’s dam Rodeo Sioux’s three wins included two over 2600m, one of them a Non-Black Type feature.

Peter said, “I have no doubt that 2200m is well within his compass.”

In I Salute You’s last race in the Gr  3 Betgames Cup Trial over 1800m he was drawn in pole position and after dwelling slightly at the break he sat on the rail but only had two horses behind him in the ten horse field. He moved outward coming around the final turn and ran on well to be a 0,70 length second giving the winner Zeitz 2,5kg.

He is 1kg better off with Zeitz from that run in the July, but this time has drawn wide in 14.

Peter said, “It’s a little bit awkward, but he is quite a versatile horse. He can sit with them or off them and he has got a turn of foot.

I Salute You is by Soqrat, whose three Gr 1 wins were over 1600m, but he did finish a narrow second with topweight in the Gr 1 Summer Cup over the tough Turffontein Standside 2000m trip and he finished third in the Gr 1 Daily News 2000 and a not disgraced 4,45 length 8^th in the July carrying second topweight of 59kg. I Salute You is out of a mare by speed influence Var and her two wins were over 1000m and 1200m, but both I Salute You and Taegan’s Champ have won over 1700m to 1750m trips.

Peter said, “With him too I have no doubt that the 2200 is going to be within his distance range.”

I Salute You’s big race rider Mark du Plessis lands in South Africa on Wednesday night next week.

Peter said, “Mark will get to sit on I Salute You on the Thursday morning and  then basically his work is done.”

Tristan Godden will likely be riding I Salute You at the official Hollywoodbets Durban July Gallops on Thursday morning this week.

Peter has one other runner on July day, the exciting Australian-bred St. Harry, who is a son of Harry Angel (Acclamation).

He runs in the Gr 2 Durban Golden Horseshoe over 1400m.

Peter said, “He is drawn eleven, but he is a very good horse. He hasn’t run since Cape Town. I have given him as much time to mature as possible. He has got a devastating turn of foot, so we can ride him conservatively from the eleven barrier. He’s an exciting horse for the future, so we don’t want to overdo things with him as a two-year-old, but he has developed and furnished very well since his last race and if he runs to his work he should be a factor on July day.”

Soccer13 GUARANTEED JACKPOT Thursday 25 June 2026. R8.7 Million (If only One 13 of 13 Winner). Pool Closes at 21h30. Sport 12 Pool 1.

Soccer6 Friday 26 June 2026. Carryover R 100 000. Estimated Pool: R 500 000.  Pool Closes at 21h00. Sport 5 and Pool 1.

Soccer10 Friday 26 June 2026. ADD-INN R 200 000. Estimated Pool: R 2 million.  Pool Closes at 20h45. Sport 20 and Pool 1.

Soccer10 Saturday 27 June 2026. ADD-INN R 200 000. Estimated Pool: R 2 million.  Pool Closes at 20h00. Sport 15 and Pool 1.

Soccer13 One winner GUARANTEED JACKPOT Saturday 27 June 2026. R17 Million (If only One 13 of 13 Winner). Pool Closes at 15h30. Sport 10 Pool 1.

Soccer Any 13Xtra Saturday 27 June 2026. Carryover R100 000. Estimated Pool: R250 000. Pool Closes at 15h00. Sport 13 and Pool 1.

Following further rain at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth, the gradual deterioration of the track, as well as having consulted with the senior jockeys and a handful of trainers, a decision has been made to move Saturday’s meeting 27 June to Hollywoodbets Durbanville. Races 3 and 4 will now be 1250m.

David Thiselton

The big question before the R10 million Hollywoodbets Durban July Final Field Announcement and Draw Ceremony at Hollywoodbets Greyville yesterday morning was whether the fancied entry Regulation, who had been single figures in the betting markets, would make the top 18 and connections and supporters were left on tenterhooks until the last minute as 17 horses were on the board without his name appearing.

The Justin Snaith-trained horse’s name then appeared, although the connections of the Erico Verdonese-trained Choisaanada must have feared the worst as the horses are revealed in weight order and when they went past the 58,5kg weight without his name appearing the writing was on the wall.

Choisaanada is merit rated 121, while Regulation is merit rated 106 and the latter is thus 1kg under sufferance.

However, considering Regulation beat Zeitz by 3,20 lengths when winning the Gr 3 Ownpay Peninsula Handicap over 1800m at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth and faces the latter on the same terms in the July he looks to have a chance of winning the race.

Choisaanada on the other hand, finished a neck ahead of The Ultimate King at level weights in the Gr 2 Colorado King Stakes and Regulation beat the latter in the WSB 1900 by just over a neck when receiving 6kg. Regulation will only receive 4,5kg from The Ultimate King in the July, but would have received 6,5kg from Choisaanada, so that collateral formline would justify Regulation’s position in the final field.

Nevertheless, Choisaanada’s connections are likely to feel aggrieved as he was three positions ahead of Regulation on the final log.

On a brighter note the Australian-based sensation Zac Lloyd will be aboard Regulation. He will attempt to break the trend of his legendary father, the former Durban-based Jeff Lloyd, who finished third in this race no fewer than nine times without ever winning, although he did finish second in his last July ride in 2018. Regulation landed a plum draw of two.

There were no other contentious issues in the Final Field Announcement.

The race favourite is the James Crawford-trained Star Major who is part of a fairy tale story as the Querari colt will be ridden by French woman Mickaelle Michel, who travelled out here with the hope of riding winners and enjoying the experience but never in her wildest dreams would she have believed that she would be riding the favourite in South Africa’s greatest race just seven months after arriving.

James Crawford was assistant to his father Brett when they landed the July in successive years, 2023 and 2024, and will be out to win a first July under his own license.

Three-year-old Gr 1 Daily News 2000 winner Star Major jumps from a well nigh perfect draw of four and will realise a long held dream for Durban-born part-owner Ravi Naidoo if he were to win the race. Ravi went close two years ago with Cousin Casey and will be hoping to go one better.

That 2024 race was of course won by Oriental Charm, who was part-owned by Greg and Gina Bortz and this year the couple part-own the Snaith-trained Native Ruler and they are sole owners of Regulation.

Greg was also Durban-born and another Durban-born owner who will be out to realise a long held dream will be Ravi Padayachee, the chief owner of the Gareth van Zyl-trained King Pelles. Ravi pulled a draw of 17 for King Pelles.

Preshalin and Jayson Murugasa, owners of the Mike and Mathew de Kock-trained Aladdin’s Lamp, are also passionate Durban-born owners.

Mike de Kock has won five Julys before and will be out to win a first together with son Mathew and they will have to do it from the widest draw of all as Aladdin’s Lamp drew 18.

An interesting fact of the field is that following on from no female runners in the race in 2024 and only one last year, there are no fewer than five female runners this year and one reserve.

The two most fancied of them, Wish List and Mocha Blend, drew seven and 13 respectively.

Wish List will be one of five horses representing Justin Snaith, who will be out to win a sixth July. She will be out to give a first July win to Andrew Fortune, who will become the oldest jockey to win the race at the age of 59 if she does it. Fortune pulled his own draw of seven and was thrilled with it.

Among the Snaith-trained horses is the topweight Legal Counsel, who only just failed to become a Gr 1 wfa winner when pipped in the Hollywoodbets Gold Challenge over 1600m last time and he also came second in Cape Town’s greatest race The Gr 1 wfa WSB Met over 2000m. He will be ridden by Callan Murray and is drawn well in five.

The locally-trained horses in the field are the Stuart Ferrie-trained Gladatorian, the Frank Robinson-trained Mocha Blend, the Gareth van Zyl-trained King Pelles and the Peter Muscutt-trained pair I Salute You and Isivivane.

There are eight Cape-trained horses in the top 18 and five Highveld-trained horses and the two reserves are both Highveld-trained horses.

Tammy and Candice Dawson will be out to become the third female trainers to win the July and have the mare Minogue involved. She will be ridden by Gavin Lerena.

The 18 incumbent runners include five three-year-olds, nine four-year-olds, three five-year-olds and one six-year-old and the two reserves consist of a four-year-old and a three-year-old.

Three jockeys have been flown in to ride in the race, Zac Llloyd, Chad Schofield, who rides King Pelles, and Mark Du Plessis, who rides I Salute You.

Only five jockeys in the race have won a July before, with Richard Fourie having three wins to his name, while each of Gavin Lerena, Kabelo Matsunyane, JP van der Merwe and last year’s winning rider Craig Zackey have won the big race once apiece.

 The weight structure this year has topweight at 62kg and bottom weight at 52kg and for the first time in many years it is just a straight handicap without any allowances or limitations.

There is only one horse in the top 18 who is officially under sufferance and that is Regulation, who is 1kg under sufferance, although the second reserve runner Curious Girl will be 4kg under sufferance if she gets in.

With a stake that doubles from last year to R10 million it is going to be a humdinger!