Race 1

MOANA improved significantly to run out a wide-margin winner stepped up to this trip last time and even under top weight will be hard to beat on the evidence of that performance. WINTER VOICE was a similarly impressive winner of her last start over track and trip and can trouble the selection from whom she receives 3.5kg. Newcomer SAVVY TRIUMPH is worth a market check on debut and has to be respected if attracting betting support. (Brendan Gaillard 1-2-7-9)

Race 2

WHAT A WARRIOR was a good 2nd in a minor feature over 1400m last time and sets the standard on his earlier form over this distance. TROJAN HORSE ran on well to finish an eye-catching 3rd on debut over 1400m and could, with the benefit of that experience, improve to pose a threat in receipt of 3kg. Newcomer RED SANGRIA is bred to be useful so betting support would speak volumes of his chances on debut. Experienced LONE HORIZON, as well as likely improvers DISDAIN and UNCLE BOB, complete the shortlist. (Brendan Gaillard 2-7-1-5)

Race 3

Consistent KNOWMORE was returning from a layoff when finishing 2nd over track and trip last time, so he should strip fitter and improve to play a leading role. Youngster DUKE OF LORRAINE caught the eye with a fast-finishing 4th on debut (1400m) and with natural improvement could have the edge from a favourable inside gate. HIGHWAY CODE, COVER CHARGE and STEEL PIER have the form and experience to also make their presence felt. Recently gelded MIDNIGHT SHOW is another to consider on his reappearance. (Brendan Gaillard 4-1-5-3)

Race 4

KORCULA ran on from a hopeless position to finish a close-up 3rd over 1400m in her first outing for the Fanie Bronkhorst stable and on the evidence of that performance this extended trip should be more to her liking. FLYING WORLD, runner-up in consecutive (both) starts over 1600m, would not be winning out of turn. Highveld newcomer NICCI’S LAW, LIFE AND LETTERS and BE ALL YOU CAN BE can also get into the picture. However, a bigger threat is likely to come from well-bred 2yo FEAST OF BERRIES who was 2nd over course and distance last time out. POLLY PLUMMER is another with earning potential. (Brendan Gaillard 1-6-2-5)

Race 5

INSTANT ATTRACTION beat male opposition over 2000m at a higher level before finishing 3rd under a penalty last time over track and trip from the widest draw, so a repeat of that performance dropped into this grade off an unchanged mark could suffice. APOSTROPHE, KISS OF FIRE and PARTY PUNCH are held on that form but weighted to pose more of a threat on these terms. HOPSCOTCH caught the eye last time when tried in this headgear configuration and could get into the mix if building on that improvement. ITSNOWORNEVER and BOLD ACTION are others capable of getting involved. (Brendan Gaillard 3-1-11-2)

Race 6

ROBERT BROWNING has maintained form and consistency at a higher level off his current mark, and a repeat of his latest (3rd) course-and-distance performance could see him return to winning ways. APACHE SON, KUDZU, EIGER SANCTION and IDEAL SUMMER are held on that form but have the means to trouble the selection. PRINCE OF KILDARE, PAGE BOY and hattrick-seeking BOUNDLESS LOVE have better form over shorter distances but warrant respect stretching out to this trip. (Brendan Gaillard 3-9-5-6)

Race 7

HEATH HOUSE faced older rivals for the first time in his last start and passed that test with flying colours. This step up in class demands more of him but with less weight to shoulder he will be hard to peg back. Consistent KARATE KID, rejuvenated LEAD THE CHARGE and best-weighted POBLANO have the form and experience to trouble the youngster, while ESPINOZA and UMZINGELI WENYATHI also have the means to get involved in receipt of weight from the selection. (Brendan Gaillard 4-1-3-2)

Race 8

THE BRONX BULL takes on older rivals for the first time but is ideallly drawn and sets the standard on the strength of his 2yo form, which includes a last-start 4th at Grade 1 level. ANTONIO GAUDI and TURBO POWER are hard-knockers with solid form credentials at this level so won’t go down without a fight. WILD AS THE WIND and TRIP OF FAITH are unexposed 3YOs who could improve to also have a say in the outcome. HEMISPHERE and ONE TIGER complete the shortlist. (Brendan Gaillard 5-2-6-4)

Race 9

FOSTINOVO blotted his copybook last time in KZN but a subsequent break and return to the Highveld would have served him well. He is course-and-distance suited so is taken atone on his reappearance, even under top weight. SATYAGRAHA and recent course-and-distance winner LEGENDARY could make their presence felt but have wide draws to negotiate, so a bigger threat will likely come from consistent hard-knocker UNSOLVED RIDDLE. The latter’s form, draw and rider allowance should see him play a leading role. HAT’S MAMBO and HEAVENLY GOOD also have earning potential. (Brendan Gaillard 1-5-4-8)

David Thiselton

The Gr 3 Post Merchants will be one of the most interesting races on Hollywoodbets Durban July day, but the conditions of the race mean the highest rated horses are ostensibly slung in.

The highest rated horse in the land, the 132-rated twice Gr 1-winning sprinter Buffalo Storm Cody, is thus very well in at the weights, and second best in is Dave The King, who is the most interesting runner, followed by Tenango and Princess Of Gaul, who are joint third best in.

The race has merit-rated band conditions with one key difference.

Usually the horses that are higher rated than the highest band are allotted half-a-kilogram for every point they are above that highest band.

However, the highest band in this case reads “122 or more … 62kg”.

That band would normally read 122 to 126 and under the normal rules for merit-rated band events Buffalo Storm Cody would be carrying 65kg as he is six points higher than the top rating of the highest band. So, he is ostensibly 3kg well in carrying 62kg.

Dave The King would normally be carrying 63kg, but carries 62kg, so is 1kg better off than normal, but is 2kg under sufferance with Buffalo Storm Cody.

Tenango is merit rated 126, so he is top of what the band would normally be, but is officially 3kg under sufferance with Buffalo Storm Cody.

Equally well treated with the latter is the crack filly Princess Of Gaul, who is 114-rated but gets a 2,5kg gender allowance.

The worry about Buffalo Storm Cody is that he might be using it as a preparation for the Gr 1 Mercury Sprint, which he appeared to do last year because last year he only ran a 1,65 length fourth in this race carrying 56kg, meaning he was 5,5kg better off than weight for age with the highest rated runner, and he then came out and won the weight for age Mercury Sprint over the same course and distance by 1,60 lengths. Interestingly he jumped from draw 9 in the Mercury, the same draw he has in this year’s Post Merchants. This horse does appear at his best around the turn. Richard Fourie up is a bonus.

Dave The King is interesting, because although his best form is over a mile and middle distances he went at a blistering gallop in the L’Ormarins King’s Plate. It was a ridiculous pace, but he displayed his speed around the turn in that race as he went through the first 400m in a time just 1,7 seconds slower than the pacemaker and the winner of the Gr 1 World Pool Cape Flying Championship over 1000m. He has had four starts over 1200m in his career and won three of them easily and his only loss was when returning from a layoff and having a seasonal reappearance preparation run and running just 2,65 lengths behind former Post Merchants winner, the now 127-rated Gladatorian. Dave The King has drawn seven which should give him room to go to the front if quick enough and the latter is actually a concern, because of course leading over 1200m is a different ball game to leading over 1600m.

Tenango ran a good 1,95 length seventh in the Gr 2 Golden Horse Sprint, where he carried topweight. That should have brought him on for this race and he has a plum draw of five. Keagan de Melo is contracted to part-owner Laurence Wernars and takes the ride here having not ridden him in the Golden Horse. He will likely be all out to win this race as the Mercury will be a lot tougher, although he did show his class and course and distance suitability by finishing a fine second in the latter race last year, despite jumping from draw 13. Tenango looks to be a massive runner.

Princess Of Gaul is also a big runner carrying just 55,5kg and jumping from draw three under Craig Zackey. She won the Gr 2 World Pool With Race Coast Debutante over course and distance last year in just her second career start. Last time out she showed he class over this trip by finishing just 2,60 lengths behind Asiye Phambili and Double Grand Slam in the Gr 1 SA Fillies Sprint. If the latter pair were in the Merchants they would likely be the two favourites so with Princess Of Gaul beaten by that margin under weight for age conditions and now being 4kg better off than weight for age conditions with the first three mentioned she should also be a massive runner.

Cafe Culture is a former winner of this race, but is officially 4kg under sufferance with Buffalo Storm Cody and has a tough draw of 13, but he should be kicking on if managing to find cover in a handy position.

One of the joint topweights is the 122-rated Outlaw King, who is thus officially 5kg under sufferance with Buffalo Storm Cody. However, he is ultra courageous and often defies the official weights, as he did when a 1.05 length third in the Cape Flying. His last run in the Golden Horse is best ignored as he stumbled at the start.

Cats Pajamas is also rated 122 and has a fine course and distance record and was just a 1,75 length fourth in the Mercury last year. However, he has the widest draw of all.

Speedman is rated only 105 and carrying 54kg is officially 6kg under sufferance with Buffalo Storm Cody, but he is an up and coming sort who could prove better than rated, so he is the dark horse.

One Eye On Vegas was third in the Golden Horse and finds himself officially 4,5kg under sufferance with Buffalo Storm Cody, but he is a progressive sort with speed and class so should be running on from draw 11.

Jet Force is also a classy sort who could surprise dropped down in trip. He is 4,5kg under sufferance with Buffalo, but is well drawn.

Jerusalema Rain beat Buffalo Storm Cody by a neck in the Gr 2 Senor Santa over 1160m, but is now 4kg worse off.

The ones mentioned are the ones who make the most appeal and the selection is Buffalo Storm Cody to beat Tenango with Princess Of Gaul, Speedman and Jet Force next best.

Race 8 New start time: 15h55

Race 9 New start time: 16h30

Please Note: South African Quartet Pools with fractional betting offered at Wolverhamptom (UK) and Curragh (World Pool) (IRE) – 28 June 2026

(Durban, 27 June 2026) – Creativity took centre stage at Westown Square on Friday evening as the Hollywoodbets Durban July Preview Fashion Show transformed the retail development into a celebration of style, imagination, and unmistakable South African flair.

Surrounded by paved walkways, flower installations and open skies within the shopping centre’s hub of artisanal creativity, shoppers, families, young children and fashion enthusiasts gathered in an atmosphere perfectly suited to this year’s enchanting theme of ‘Country Allure’.

Against this relaxed countryside-inspired backdrop, rustic elegance met contemporary couture as the Hollywoodbets Durban July’s full range of official fashion elements were presented together for the first time in spectacular style.

“It is the first time the public get to see the three tiers of fashion at the Hollywoodbets Durban July all on one stage: The Young Designer Award presented by Metro FM; the Durban Fashion Fair Rising Stars; and the six Invited Designers,” said Race Coast Head of Marketing, Major Events and Broadcast, Steve Marshall.

“It is a visualisation of the ‘Country Allure’ theme and acts as an inspiration for the public to see how the professionals have interpreted the theme. We hope that everyone turns out on Saturday, 4 July with their own interpretation,” he added.

From rebellious country chic to breathtaking tributes to South Africa’s landscapes, cultures and traditions, every collection offered a fresh interpretation of ‘Country Allure’. Rich textures, hand-crafted detail, earthy tones, intricate beadwork and dramatic silhouettes celebrated both the untamed beauty of the countryside and the sophistication that has become synonymous with Africa’s greatest horse racing and fashion event.

Drawing inspiration from South Africa’s vibrant tapestry of cultures, tribes and landscapes, designers also explored more theatrical and unexpected elements, reminding audiences that the country’s diversity remains one of its greatest creative strengths.

Durban Fashion Fair Co-ordinator Derrick Mhlongo said: “Tonight we communicate to all sectors of our consumers, from our sponsors to our audience. It is a family event where kids get to look up to designers and be inspired. Moms, dads and grannies are all here enjoying the experience. While they may not be able to attend race day, this provides them with the opportunity to see and feel what fashion is all about.

The fashion element of the Hollywoodbets Durban July is an igniter. Everyone thinks about what they are going to wear when they go to the races. As a result, we need to acknowledge the role played by fashion in this event, starting with the designers, the models, the make-up artists, hairstylists and producers. When these elements all come together, the lifestyle and the Hollywoodbets Durban July comes alive.”

Referring to the role played by the Hollywood Foundation, Marketing Manager Vuyisile Ngobese explained that the organisation was founded in 2021 as an NPO aimed at creating meaningful pathways for designers in South Africa, ultimately helping to revive the clothing and textile industry in the province.

“Tonight at the Hollywoodbets Preview Fashion Gala, apart from being a platform for the Young Designers and the established Invited Designers, it is also a chance to showcase the nine emerging designers who are part of the Durban Fashion Fair Rising Stars. They were selected last year, and the Hollywood Foundation was part of that selection. They will receive a share of R300 000 worth of equipment that will assist them in establishing sustainable businesses,” said Ngobese.

“Over the past five years that we have partnered with the Hollywoodbets Durban July, we are now able to see the fruits of this partnership. Many of those participating tonight started off as Young Designers and have gone on to become Rising Stars – or, like former Durban Fashion Fair Rising Star Kwenzi Nkomo from Indoni Fashion House, who, through the support of the Hollywood Foundation, is one of the Invited Designers,” Ngobese added.

As the countdown to Africa’s most prestigious horse racing and fashion spectacle gathers pace, anticipation is reaching a crescendo. On Saturday, 4 July, Greyville Racecourse will once again become the stage where bold fashion, world-class racing, and unforgettable entertainment collide.

General admission entrance tickets are on sale via Ticketpro.

All the event and racing information is available on https://www.racecoast.co.za/hollywoodbets-durban-july/.

Andrew Harrison

It’s back on the Hollywoodbets Scottsville turf today and trainer’s that have bottled up their runners for the turf have come out in force. So punters face a highly competitive nine-race card kicking off with two juvenile maidens where many runners are making their debuts. The market will be an indicator but caution is advised.

In the card opener, of those that have run, Dancing Partner improved nicely second time out and coming on the right way. The experience will count in her favour. Iceberg Rose was a beaten favourite last run when trying further but has run well on this course and can make amends. Asgardian Queen found market support at her last two and is well experienced which is in her favour. Lady Jerome  disappointed on the poly last run after an improved previous effort and the switch to turf could see her improve on that last run.

Again there are many first timers in the first leg of the Bi-Pot but Benny And Paul may just have needed is last run after returning from a break and the drop in trip should not be a concern. Biggest threat could come from Prized Possession who found strong market support on debut and should come on with the experience down the straight course. Old Harry Rocks raced green in a promising debut and any market support must be respected along with Yukinko who should come on from his poly debut and is another one to watch.

Red Hot Miss will be a popular banker in the first leg of the PA as she was runner-up at her last two on the poly. She stays the trip and has the best of the draw. Indignation was much improved when tried over a mile last run. She was well beaten but can come on from that effort. Anything But Love is an older filly that has been close-up in all three starts and should feature in this line-up.

The first leg of the Pick 6 could rest between Day Tow and Princess Palace. Day Two is lightly raced but stays well and was a good second when taking on stronger last time out. He has the best of the draw and should be in the shake-up. Princess Palace was up against stronger last run but ran way below best. She can do much better in this line-up.

The fifth is an intriguing race. Ovation Star is lightly raced but has garnered a hefty merit rating. She was a close-up second last run but takes on two Gr1 Garden Province hopefuls in Ladyofdistinction and Educator. Dean Kannemeyer’s filly is the highest rated and won well enough on the poly last time out. She is still improving and may be the one to beat. Ladyofdistinction ran well below best last start and should do better here. Gran Occasion may be a touch out-classed but is in good form and can upset.

The last three are competitive handicaps and it will pay to load up in exotics. Hunga Tonga won well over course and distance at her penultimate start and followed up with another strong effort on the poly. She should put in another strong performance in the sixth. Open Sesame has improved in blinkers and has a favourable draw while Blue Poppy is never far back and only once out of the money. With a 1.5kg allowance She will be in the firing line. Past Is Prologue has a tough draw to contend with but her two wins have come on this course and she was narrowly beaten last time out.

Garth Puller could hold the key to the seventh with Major Tommie who is way better than his last two. He goes well over this course and is seldom far back. Hah Lah was a touch disappointing last run when starting favourite but shed his maiden over course and distance on debut and a repeat can see him close again. Best Of All is lightly raced and was a good second last run over course and distance although under a light weight while Military Command has improved in blinkers and Gavin Lerena stays with the ride.

In the eighth Cavalry Commander has been in good form since a change of stables to Mark Dixon. He has won over course and distance. Street Outlaw does not have the best Cape form to recommend him but Ricky Maingard is a master of his craft and the gelding is not up from Cape Town to sample the air. Little Boy Blue has a useful 4kg claimer aboard and should be competitive off a light weight while Luneluck returns from a lengthy break but had good form before that and he will have a chance if racing fresh.

The last is another tough handicap but Arverni Princess is quick and loves this course and distance. She has a 4kg claimer aboard and should be competitive. Jane’s Vision will start at lengthy odds but is seldom far back and her last win was over course and distance. Night Tiger has patchy form but never far back of late and can surprise while Bless Me Fred is always in the game and another with a winning chance.

RACE 1

7 DANCING PARTY   6 ICEBERG ROSE   14 LADY JEROME   13 ASGARDIAN QUEEN

Preview: Mostly first timers so keep a keen eye on the betting. Of those that have run, DANCING PARTY (7) improved nicely second time out and coming on the right way. ICEBERG ROSE (6) was a beaten favourite last run when trying further. She has run well on this course. ASGARDIAN QUEEN (13) has found market support at her last two. She is well experienced which will count. LADY JEROME (14) disappointed on the poly last run after an improved previous effort. (Andrew Harrison: 7-6-14-13).

RACE 2

3 BENNY AND PAUL   4 PRIZED POSSESSION   5 OLD HARRY ROCKS   6 YUKINKO

Preview: Many first timers. Of those that have run, BENNY AND PAUL (3) may just have needed is last run after returning from a break. The drop in trip should not be a concern. PRIZED POSSESSION (4) found strong market support on debut. He should come on with the experience down the straight course. OLD HARRY ROCKS (5) raced green in a promising debut and any market support must be respected. YUKINKO (6) should come on from his poly debut and is another one to watch. (Andrew Harrison: 3-4-5-6).

RACE 3

1 RED HOT MISS   3 INDIGNATION   4 ANYTHING BUT LOVE   5 LEGAL TANGO

Preview: Wide open. RED HOT MISS (1) was runner-up at her last two on the poly. She stays the trip and has the best of the draw. INDIGNATION (3) was much improved when tried over a mile last run. She was well beaten but can come on from that effort. ANYTHING BUT LOVE (4) is an older filly that has been close-up in all three starts. She can feature in this line-up. LEGAL TANGO (5) is way better than her poly debut and back to turf can see her home. (Andrew Harrison: 1-3-4-5).

RACE 4

2 DAY TWO   4 PRINCESS PALACE   5 GLOBAL MOVEMENT   8 THAMBI

Preview: DAY TWO (2) is lightly raced but stays well and was a good second when taking on stronger last time out. He has the best of the draw and should be in the shake-up. PRINCESS PALACE (4) was up against stronger last run but ran way below best. She can do much better in this line-up. GLOBAL MOVEMENT (5) has run two smart recent efforts although both were on the poly but he should go well here. THAMBI (8) was much improved on the poly last run. His turf form is patchy but he does have a 4kg claimer aboard. (Andrew Harrison: 2-4-5-8).

RACE 5

2 EDUCATOR   6 OVATION STAR   5 LADYOFDISTINCTION   3 GRAND OCCASION

Preview: Tricky. OVATION STAR (6) is lightly raced but has garnered a hefty merit rating. She was a close-up second last run but takes on two Gr1 Garden Province hopefuls in LADYOFDISTINCTION (5) and EDUCATOR (2). Dean Kannemeyer’s filly is the highest rated and won well enough on the poly last time out. She is still improving and may be the one to beat. Ladyofdistinction ran well below best last start and should do better here. GRAND OCCASION (3) may be a touch out-classed but is in good form and can upset. (Andrew Harrison: 2-6-5-3).

RACE 6

8 HUNGA TONGA   3 OPEN SESAME   2 BLUE POPPY   15 PAST IS PROLOGUE

Preview: Wide open. HUNGA TONGA (8) won well over course and distance at her penultimate start and followed up with another strong effort on the poly. She should put in another strong performance. OPEN SESAME (3) has improved in blinkers and has a favourable draw. BLUE POPPY (2) is never far back and only once out of the money. With a 1.5kg allowance She will be in the firing line. PAST IS PROLOGUE (15) has a tough draw to contend with but her two wins have come on this course and she was narrowly beaten last time out.. (Andrew Harrison: 8-3-2-15).

RACE 7

4 MAJOR TOMMIE   7 HAH LAH LAH   6 BEST OF ALL   8 MILITARY COMMAND

Preview: MAJOR TOMMIE (4) is way better than his last two. He Goes well over this course and is seldom far back. HAH LAH LAH (7) was a touch disappointing last run when starting favourite but shed his maiden over course and distance on debut and a repeat can see him close again. BEST OF ALL (6) is lightly raced and was a good second last run over course and distance although under a light weight. MILITARY COMMAND (8) has improved in blinkers and Gavin Lerena stays with the ride. (Andrew Harrison: 4-7-6-8).

RACE 8

11 CAVALRY COMMANDER   10 STREET OUTLAW   4 LITTLE BOY BLUE   3 LUNELUCK

Summary: CAVALRY COMMANDER (11) has been in good form since a change of stables. He has won over course and distance. STREET OUTLAW (10) does not have the best Cape form to recommend him but Ricky Maingard is a master of his craft and the gelding is not up to sample the air. LITTLE BOY BLUE (4) has a useful 4kg claimer aboard and should be competitive off a light weight. LUNELUCK (3) returns from a lengthy break but had good form before that and he will have a chance if racing fresh. (Andrew Harrison: 11-10-4-3).

RACE 9

1 ARVERNI PRINCESS   6 JANE’S VISION   3 NIGHT TIGER   10 BLESS ME FRED

Summary: Tough handicap. ARVERNI PRINCESS (1) is quick and loves this course and distance. She has a 4kg claimer aboard and should be competitive. JANE’S VISION (6) is seldom far back and her last win was over course and distance. NIGHT TIGER (3) has patchy form but never far back of late. BLESS ME FRED (10) is always in the game and another with a winning chance. (Andrew Harrison: 1-6-3-10).

David Thiselton

The Gr 3 Langerman is a two-year-old event that is often a good pointer to the classic races of the following season and the 1500m race could be won this year by Catwalk King, who caught the eye last time when coming from off the pace to win the Listed Somerset 1200.

On pedigree he should enjoy this step up in trip being by Buffalo Bill Cody out of a High Chaparral mare who won over 2000m. He has a good draw of two with Keagan de Melo staying up.

Kalahari King won well on debut over 1200m and looked to be a horse looking for further next time out when staying on over 1100m. He will relish this step up in trip and will be a threat under Richard Fourie despite a tricky draw of six.

Aquae Calidae was beaten 1,25 lengths by Kalahari King on debut but improved to win over 1200m next time out and this superbly bred colt will relish the step up in trip and is drawn well in three.

From The Island has the widest draw of all to overcome but this big horse won well over 1400m last time when giving weight all around and must be a player here.

Uncle Same could earn a cheque here.

Those are the five who make most appeal and they are selected in the order mentioned.

The Listed Irridescence Stakes over 1500m could see Grapes Of Wrath making amends as she was unlucky behind Catwalk King last time. The half-sister to Charles Dickens is drawn in pole and can beat home the widely drawn Enticement, who should enjoy the step up in trip.

In the first leg of the Pick 6 over 1200m Cork Bay won well on May 3 and the form has been well franked, so he could beat Kelp Forest and Volegov, who should enjoy the step back up in trip.

In the next race over 1200m Music Of The Night is in fine form and can follow up her last win off a three point higher mark and with the 4kg claimer staying aboard. Raffish Trend should enjoy the course and distance at this time of year and Star World has the form to be a contender.

In the fifth race over 1400m Prince Of Tibet has a tricky draw but should enjoy the trip and can run on to go close.  Super Viking should be right there and Noon Day Gun is always capable of winning a 1400m race of this nature.

In the ninth race over 1600m Peaches And Cream stayed on well last time over 1500m and from a good draw should go close.

In the first race over 1000m My Bonny Boy went close over course and distance last time and is the one to beat.

In the second over 1000m Hiawatha Goldberg is interesting stepped back down in trip and should be right there under Richard Fourie.

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.

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.