David Thiselton

The Hollywoodbets Durban July final field panellists have had their task made easier by a spate of significant scratchings from the Hollywoodbets Durban July.

The Justin Snaith-trained Sail The Seas was number three on the first Hollywoodbets Durban July log, but has had some issues.

He was scratched on Monday morning alongside his log incumbent stablemate Pacaya, who was number 18 on the first log, but whom ran disappointingly in Saturday’s Hollywoodbets Dolphins Cup Trial over 1800m.

A big scratching on Monday was last year’s runner up Cousin Casey, who was tenth on the July log, and his absence from the Gr 1 Hollywoodbets Gold Challenge on Saturday indicates he must have an issue. 

Fiery Pegasus was number 12 on the July log and was scratched a while ago.

Mike and Matthew de Kock have likely signalled their intent to go for the Gr 1 Ridgemont Garden Province Stakes with the crack filly Spumante Dolce, who was 13th on the July log, by scratching her on Monday.

The Lucky Houdalakis-trained Gr 1 SA Derby runner up Wild Intent, who was number 15 on the July log, also failed to fire in the Cup Trial and true to what Lucky had said about not just wanting to be “a field maker”, he was duly scratched on Monday morning alongside his stablemate Musical Score, who was a disappointing sixth in the Gr 3 4Racing Jubilee Stakes over 1800m on Sunday at Turffontein Standside.

A surprise scratching was the Roy Magner-trained Olivia’s Way. She was among the horses on the outside looking in on the first log having won the Gr 2 TAB Igugu Stakes to add to her Gr 1 Wilgerbosdrift SA Fillies Classic second and Gr 1 SA Derby fourth. She finished a cracking second in the traditional July pointer, the Jubilee Stakes on Sunday, so would likely have been a strong consideration for the final field.

The Sean Tarry-Let’s Go Now ran disappointingly in the Jubilee and was also scratched on Monday.

Scratched earlier were Parisian Walkway, Marauding Horde and Shoot The Rapids, who were all among the outside looking in horses on the fist log.

Another Snaith-trained scratching on Monday morning was Regulation, who was 4,5kg under sufferance in the Cup Trial and could only plug on steadily from a position backward of midfield. This Legislate gelding is a three-parts brother to July winner Belgarion and is one to watch next season as he is progressive and is likely to blossom as a four-year-old just as Belgarion did.

Other July entries who could not enhance their chances in the Cup Trial were Hotarubi, Zeitz and Winter Games and they are all among the July scratchings.

Navajo Nation could only manage fifth in the Jubilee and is among the July scratchings.  

Son Of Raj was among the horses outside of the log looking in and in he did not enhance his chances of making the July final field, for the third time in succession, by finishing a 3,75 length seventh in the Jubilee.

Pomodoro’s Jet was number 20 on the July log and was scratched from the Cup Trial, but he still remains among the big race entries.

Purple Pitcher was a well beaten 7,60 ninth in the Gr 1 wfa Hollywoodbets Gold Challenge, but this 122-rated twice Gr 1 winner was number seven on the log on the back of his consistently top class middle distance performances at Turffontein, so he should be safe.   

There are actually only 29 horses still standing their ground for the Hollywoodbets Durban July.

The horses who were outside of the top 18 of the first July log and who definitely enhanced their chances of moving into the top 18 over the weekend were the respective Gr 3 Hollywoodbets Dolphins Cup Trial and Gr 3 4Racing Jubilee Stakes winners, Madison Valley and Immediate Edge.

My Best Shot won over 2000m at Fairview on Friday, his sixth successive easy win and he should either be in the final field or be right on the edge of it.

On My Honour ran a good 0,35 length third in the Cup Trial and might be considered for the final field considering he is a three-year-old who carried 59kg, meaning he was running on 1.5kg terms worse than weight for age with Madison Valley, so he actually performed better than him. 

Litigation was not disgraced in a 1,75 length fourth in the Cup Trial.

The horses who are realistically still in contention for the top 18 in order of preference by the writer are:

Eight On Eighteen

Oriental Charm

Gladatorian

See It Again

Royal Victory

Confederate

Atticus Finch

Legend Of Arthur

Madison Valley

Purple Pitcher

Selukwe

The Real Prince

Okavango

Native Ruler

My Best Shot

Immediate Edge

Mucho Dinero 

Rainbow Lorikeet

On My Honour

Future Swing

Litigation

Pomodoro’s Jet

Beating Wings

Magic Verse

Holding Thumbs

Joy And Peace

Son Of Raj

The Equator

Thunee Playa

NB the above is not an official Hollywoodbets Durban July log.

David Thiselton

The Hollywoodbets Durban July picture becomes a touch clearer after the Hollywoodbets Gold Challenge and Jubilee Stakes weekend.

Dave The King was the hero of Gold Challenge day again, although this time he did it for both Mike and Mathew de Kock, their first Gr 1 together as official partners, while Callan Murray’s rejuvenated career gained further momentum with his second Gr 1 in successive weekends.

The reigning Hollywoodbets Durban July champion Oriental Charm was inconvenienced in the L’Ormarins King’s Plate just before the turn and that had been his only run of three since his July win that was not top class, so owner Greg Bortz had a right to feel mystified by the lack of prominence of his horse in the pre-race debates  and his 14/1 price. 

However, the Vercingetorix colt ended up proving everybody wrong and was a neck away from adding a valuable Gr 1 weight for age mile victory to his CV.

Gladatorian was also the subject of disrespect as bookmakers had him out at 25/2 despite his fine win in a quality Gr 2 IOS Drill Hall Stakes over 1400m. He was beaten 0,35 lengths but was flying from well off the pace on a day that had appeared to suit front-running to handy runners. 

Dave The King’s merit rating does not affect him as his next target is the Gr 1 wfa Champions Cup and there will be plenty of weight for age races to target if he is kept in training next season.

However, the Hollywoodbets Durban July is the target of Oriental Charm and Gladatorian also might be lining up, so the important question is whether their merit rating will be affected.

A far as the race went Dave The King and Oriental Charm both pinged the gates and the latter was able to get to the front, but he had to go hard to get ahead of Dave The King.

Thereafter, Oriental Charm set a decent clip which enabled Dave The King to use his big stride. 

Callan Murray steered Dave The King expertly around the final turn and got an immediate split on the inside of Oriental Charm and he hit the front at the 300m mark.

At that stage Cosmic Speed, who entered the straight on the quarters of hot favourite Dave The King, looked the biggest danger to the as he actually headed Oriental Charm. However, the two older horses proved just a touch too strong for him.

However, while Oriental Charm was fighting back courageously Gladatorian was flying from the back of the field and only just failed to get there in time. 

Cosmic Speed was beaten 0,85 lengths in fourth.

See It Again was jostled when attempting to get past William Robertson at the top of the straight as Gladatorian went straight for that gap, as he was entitled to do. See It Again had to be eased before getting a run and that cost him any chance and he could only manage a 4,45 length fourth. At least his 127 merit rating won’t be affected before the July.

The winner Dave The King could well be used as the line horse as a proven Gr 1 weight for age winner over course and distance, although he might be given an extra point for his third successive Gr 1 wfa win at this course.

That might see Oriental Charm being raised from 125 to 128, Gladatorian being raised from 123 to 128 and Cosmic Speed perhaps being raised from 125 to 127, although that is all just conjecture.

However, it seems that Oriental Charm and Gladatorian will likely be the July top weights, either together with See It Again or half-a-kilogram more than him.

In the Gr 3 Cup Trial Madison Valley had excuses for his relatively poor run in the WSB 1900 and his 40/1 odds were not reflective of his ability. It was still a surprise to see him able to get into the box seat from draw eight as he is a long strider who stays two miles and he is usually held up. That was an expert bit of riding by Muzi Yeni who was only given the ride on the morning of the race.

Madison Valley then used his long stride to stay on resolutely and beat Underworld by 0,30 lengths with July entries On My Honour and Litigation beaten 0,30 and 0,35 lengths respectively. Winter Games was next best beaten 2,45 lengths and Politician Stakes winner Zeitz was beaten 2,45 lengths.

Madison Valley will get a maximum of five points raise to 118 if Zeitz is used as the line horse and that would confirm the 117 he was given after his Betway Summer Cup run.

The mark he would most like to be on though, presuming Oriental Charm and Gladatorian are given 128s, would be 116 as that would see him carrying the minimum weight for an older horse in the July of 54kg.

Meanwhile, Pacaya did not do his chances of making the final field any good by finishing last. He was in 18th position on the first log and could drop out of the top 20 together with Pomodoro’s Jet. who was scratched from the Cup Trial and is thus yet to prove he stays beyond a mile.

SA Derby runner up Wild Intent finished second last and although 15th on the July log his berth is also under threat, whilst Zeitz, Thunee Playa, Regulation and Hotarubi did nothing to improve their off the log positions. 

On Sunday at Turffontein Standside the De Kock-trained  Immediate Edge likely earned a July berth with an easy and impressive win in the Gr3 Jubilee Stakes over 1800m and Olivia’s Way might come in to the top 20 on the log too with a flying 2,50 length second. 

Betway Summer Cup winner Atticus Finch proved worthy of his eighth place on the log by finishing third with joint topweight. 

Andrew Harrison

It wasn’t as easy as last year when putting lengths between himself and the opposition, but Dave The King held onto his crown when winning the Gr1 Hollywoodbets Gold Challenge at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Saturday. 

Challenged from all sides over the final furlong, Callan Murray kept his mount hard to his task to hold off game pacemaker Oriental Charm with a late charging Gladatorian denied in the shadow of the post with Cosmic Charm weakening late but less than a length behind Dave The King.

It was the first Gr1 win for Mathew de Kock since his return from Australia and joining in partnership with his legendary father, Mike.

For Murray it has been a great return to his home country after a spell Down Under and he gave Dave The King a copybook ride in spite of it being a close run thing at the wire. 

JP Van der Merwe wasted no time on Oriental Charm jumping from his wide draw of nine and heading straight for the lead where he slowed up the early gallop with Café Culture close on his heels and Dave The King perfectly placed on the rail but probably suited a quicker gallop up front as Murray eluded to in his post-race interview.

Dave The King was not able to use his big, rolling stride until coming off the false rail but managed to edge ahead of Oriental Charm and keep finding to the line.

It was a stellar effort from Oriental Charm who had not been out since his second place behind Eight On Eighteen in the WSB Cape Met and he is sure to start one of the fancies for the upcoming Gr1 Hollywoodbets Durban July come the first Saturday in July.

Cosmic Speed was in with a chance all the way until the final 100m before his stamina gave out but he still kept on gamely for fourth.

Gladatorian, did not have it easy in the early exchanges and was towards the rear of the field turning for home. However, he showed an exceptional turn of foot and had the race won two jumps after the line. Jockey Sean Veale was adamant that the Hollywoodbets Durban July was well within his compass.

The selection panel for the Hollywoodbets Durban July have their work cut out selecting the final 18 and while most of the field selects themselves, sorting out those on the periphery could prove to be a headache and open to some controversy.

The Frank Robinson-trained Madison Valley  put his hand up with a gallant victory in the Gr3 Hollywood Dolphins Cup Trial, holding off the well-fancied Underworld with a smart effort from the three-year-old On My Honour also throwing his hat into the July ring.

The race was run at no great pace and turned into a sprint for home which made Madison Valley’s victory all that more impressive given that his optimum trip is over ten furlongs and further.

Muzi Yeni got a late call-up to take over from Raymond Danielson and he rode a cracking race, slotting into a handy position on the rail as Litigation set modest early fractions with Underworld hot on his heels.

Litigation, was first to show the white flag although never fully capitulating with Yeni and Richard Fourie battling it out up front. Madison Valley pinched an early lead at the top of the straight but Madison Valley and Underworld where hammer and thongs all the way up the straight.

On My Honour was trapped out wide in the early exchanges and was a long way off the pace turning for home. However, he quickened smartly and was gaining steadily come the line.

It is a race that will pose more questions than giving answers but a win is a win and Madison Valley has a solid chance of making the July field where the 2200 m will be much more to his liking.

Durban, South Africa: A bright and exciting future for horse racing in South Africa is on the horizon! That was the underlying message to emerge as the birth of South Africa’s new age coastal racing operator was celebrated at the official launch of the Race Coast brand, which was attended by a wide spectrum of local government leaders, racing personalities, and the media, in Durban today. 

A vibrant new force in South African horse racing, Race Coast was spawned from the merger of Gold Circle’s operations in KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape-based Cape Racing, united under the Hollywoodbets banner.

Committed to modernising all aspects of the industry with integrity, while rebuilding the foundation of a legacy that will last beyond our lifetimes, through ensuring the preservation of the rich tradition of a sport that dates back over a century in South Africa, Race Coast has endorsed a philosophy to reignite a passion for the sport, while attracting a new and diverse audience. 

It’s a socio-economic reality that, against the international background of the thrills and glitz and glamour of high-octane entertainment, horse racing creates employment, with commercial spin-offs, that includes the fuelling of tourism.

With a focus on innovation and community engagement, Race Coast is unequivocally dedicated to ensuring a bright and exciting future for horse racing in South Africa. 

Speaking on behalf of the Hollywood Group, Brand & Communications Manager, Devin Heffer said that the excitement and anticipation of a brighter future was palpable amongst industry stakeholders present at the launch function.

“What a vibe! It is so encouraging to feel that this is the gamechanger that everybody has been crying out for. We are thus determined to raise the bar with world-class professionalism, performance, and prestige. That doesn’t happen overnight, but starts with the basics of safety, fairness, and quality,” enthused Heffer, who added that operations are already underway and policies have been introduced that will ensure modernisation with integrity, and the construction of a legacy that lasts.

“We have the structure, foundation and human capital in place and we are committed to introducing a new era where racing has a place and appeal for everyone. Simply put, it’s a bolder, fresher, and more inclusive approach than ever, and we’re determined and equipped to focus on rebuilding the trust, excitement, and excellence from the ground up.” 

South African champion trainer Justin Snaith is extraordinarily celebrating a half century of KZN winter season assaults for the famous family operation. His Dad Chris, still a key member of their team, first raided with a string from the Cape in 1975.

Snaith reflected on the initial success in his home province of RaceCape, initiated by Cape Racing and Hollywoodbets. 

“That structure has proven a tremendous success! It has not only boosted ownership and field sizes in the Western Cape, but has also provided trainers with additional funding to enhance their operations. And today we mark the historic beginnings of Race Coast, which is another generous initiative by Hollywoodbets, aimed at promoting ownership in KwaZulu-Natal and the Cape, while boosting the horse population.” 

Snaith reminded us of the very recent past, recalling that after the COVID-19 pandemic, many feared that horse racing in South Africa might not survive. 

“However, the dedicated efforts of a few individuals have not only saved the sport, but have also paved the way for an exciting future. This is a future that we can shape and reinvent, making it better for all stakeholders involved. Race Coast marks the beginning of something special for the province and the future of horse racing in South Africa. On behalf of all our owners, staff, and horses, we want to express our sincere gratitude,” he concluded.

South African horse racing’s pre-eminent 21st century global ambassador Mike de Kock, who recently joined forces with his son Mathew in a powerful training partnership, said: “De Kock Racing has been around for a long time, but as a new training partnership, Mathew and I are excited to be involved with the innovators behind Race Coast. We have already seen the evidence of their vision and commitment, and we have positioned ourselves to grow with them. We look forward to what the future holds.”

Three-times Hollywoodbets Durban July winning veteran trainer Dean Kannemeyer said that a refreshing wave of enthusiasm and hope had already been tangibly felt in the Cape.

“The improvement and upliftment have been felt in bricks and mortar, communication, and incentives and stakes across the spectrum in the Cape, and looking today at the rejuvenated Hollywoodbets Greyville landscape, it’s a revelation and a passion driven work-in-progress, in simple terms. The Hollywood Team have made a difference in short time, and one gets a very warm feeling that the sport is in exceptionally good hands. We are all united under the flag of future prosperity, and, on behalf of our owners and the DKR team, I extend sincere onwards and upwards best wishes to Owen Heffer and his Team,” said Kannemeyer. 

In a fitting climax to a month that will go down as a turning point in our modern horse racing history, the cream of South Africa’s equine speed stars will line up in the Golden Horse Festival Of Speed at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on Saturday 31 May.

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!

All systems go on 1 January 2025

Horseracing in KwaZulu-Natal took the next step to the dawn of a new era with the publication on Thursday of a revitalized racing programme and the news of the introduction of incentives and stakes adjustments that will align the province with the status quo in the Cape.

The introduction of the new-look programme and policies on the East Coast comes into play as a result of the proposed acquisition of Gold Circle by the Hollywood Sportsbook Holdings group, which now hinges on the required approval of the KZN Economic Regulatory Authority (KZNERA).

Whilst the outstanding approval of the KZNERA is critical to the transaction, and will be the final step in transferring ownership, Hollywoodbets and its appointed Chairman Designate of Gold Circle, Greg Bortz are in management and strategic decisions during the interim period, with Hollywoodbets investing funds at its own risk to ensure the continuity of horse racing in KZN, and the survival of Gold Circle.

Programme and related reading matter, click here.

Subject to the fulfillment of other outstanding conditions precedent, the deal effectively unlocks a R500 million rescue injection from Hollywoodbets, and a takeover of the sport in the holiday province, which is set to include track upgrades and other infrastructural and operational initiatives.

The new KZN programme covers the period 1 January to 28 February 2025 and introduces the stakes-boosted class racing structure to the province, while unveiling financial incentives via the RaceCoast incentive scheme with the ultimate aim of improving racehorse ownership in KZN and achieving enhanced field sizes with the knock-on vital lifeblood of increased betting turnovers.

Down South, the RaceCape incentive programme has proven a winner and has underscored the unprecedented turnaround in Cape horseracing by providing further opportunities for the local racing community and increased employment prospects for grooms and work riders, as well as raising the bar for all related and ancillary horse racing services.

“We are very excited about future plans for KZN racing,” Cape Racing Executive: Racing & Bloodstock Justin Vermaak told the Sporting Post on Thursday, as he outlined broad plans to revolutionise the appeal of the sport across the board for all stakeholders in KZN.

“We need to provide owners and trainers with an even and attractive playing field that makes them want to race. Stakes and rewards need to be meaningful. That ultimately leads to better field sizes, more exciting racing and improved betting turnovers. Punters are key to the success of the process. We are implementing a first world reform in terms of transparency when it comes to information. Items like horse weights, for example, will be published. They are, after all, a form assessment tool. Horses working at our training centres and tracks will all have easily identifiable bar-coded saddle-cloths. So, there are no secrets. If Oriental Charm or One Stripe is on track, the public will share in it,” added Vermaak, who confirmed that barrier draws after acceptance was another operational change which would be implemented on 1 January 2025.

Veteran KZN trainer Garth Puller, who attended a recent stakeholder’s meeting at Summerveld hosted by Greg Bortz, Justin Vermaak, Gold Circle and Hollywoodbets officials, enthused that he was thrilled by the news of the takeover by business-minded racing people who were brave and bold enough to step in and turn the ship around.

“This has come very late for me at my age, but it’s a lifechanger and the future is brighter than it was yesterday,” reflected a delighted Puller as he told the Sporting Post that the adjusted stakes and ‘very welcome’ incentives would boost cash-flows,  while also making it so much easier to help him and his colleagues market the basic ownership product.

“And we are getting draws after acceptances. Wonderful! I was calling for that 25 years ago at Hollywoodbets Durbanville. Bigger fields mean a faster pace, means better form, means better truer results. It’s an ecosystem of positivity. It all feeds on itself,” added the horseman who is never scared to pass an opinion.

Puller said the repair of the Polytrack at Hollywoodbets Greyville was ‘definitely quite overdue and welcome news’.

“That’s our stage. The track must be safe for horse and rider, be true and competitive, and have credibility with all role-players. That’s not a negotiable.”

On the ‘abolition’ of the committee structure to facilitate decision making and policy, Puller said that he was so pleased to hear that all reasonable suggestions will be considered by management.

“Wonderful! So there are no more long-winded committees to hide behind and to dither over. How refreshing.  I believe every stakeholder in this sport in KZN needs to doff a cap to Hollywoodbets and Mr Bortz. This investment and takeover is a brave move. But we know that with the passion for horse racing of the local population in this province, we can make it work. And by putting the structures in place they are making sure we have no excuses. Let’s look forward and get on with rebuilding KZN racing. I am absolutely thrilled. This is good news,” he concluded.

Johannesburg, 15 October 2024 – 4Racing in conjunction with the Handicappers have published the first log for the 2024 R6 million Gr1 Betway Summer Cup to be run at Turffontein on Saturday 30 November.

Second entries close at 11am on Tuesday 05 November, and final entries at 9am on Monday, 18 November 2024, after which weights will be announced. Declarations must be in by 11am on Wednesday, 20 November 2024 and barrier draws will be conducted at a Betway event on 20 November 2024. The final log will be published on Tuesday 05 November 2024.