Race 1

5 PEMBURY   1 THE CENTURION   3 MASTER SILVANO   8 CLINTOSTAR

Summary: PEMBURY (5) was much improved over course and distance at his second start and a repeat should see him close up again. There are two runners entered for the Gr1 Premier’s Champion Stakes at month end. THE CENTURION (1) made a promising local debut and is sure to come on from that from his pole position draw. MASTER SILVANO (3) started favourite over course and distance last time out. He has two smart efforts under his girth and must go close again. CLINTOSTAR (8) should improve over the extra furlong and is one to watch. (Andrew Harrison: 5-1-3-8).

Race 2

5 WINDS OF CHANGE   4 FUTURE VARIETY   7 BOURBON WARRIOR   2 HENRY HARVEY

Summary: WINDS OF CHANGE (5) was never in the hunt in the soft going behind Tenago in the Gr1 Golden Horse Sprint but had solid feature race form prior to that. He makes his poly debut and is weighted to win. FUTURE VARIETY (4) finished ahead of Winds Of Change in the Golden Horse but is 3kg worse off. BOURBON WARRIOR (7) is better than his last two and can place. HENRY HARVEY (2) makes a return after a length break. He showed promise in his debut victory and has a money chance.  (Andrew Harrison: 5-4-7-2).

Race 3

8 BERRINGTON BLEW   6 HOLY STAR   7 PRIORY TERRACE   11 HIGHER LOVE

Summary: BERRINGTON BLEW (8) was well beaten last run by Quickstepgal who has since finished second in a Gr2. With only 50.5kg to shoulder she could prove difficult to beat. However, HOLY STAR (6) has improved with each run and Gavin Lerena will be up against an inexperienced apprentice while PRIORY TERRACE (7) has finished runner-up at her first two starts and must rate a good chance.  (Andrew Harrison: 8-6-7-11).

Race 4

3 VALLI GAL   6 JUMPTHEGREENLIGHT   8 INTRO   10 LINE IN THE SKY

Summary: VALLI GAL (3) showed up well when back after a break. She goes well over course and distance and must have a strong chance in this line-up although she faces a number of fillies with ultra-light weights which could muddy the waters. JUMPTHEGREENLIGHT (6) has not been far back in her three starts but comes from a strong yard and the filly should go well in this field. INTRO (8) made a fair debut for her new stable and given her Highveld form the extra furlong should suit. LINE IN THE SKY (10) is better than her last effort and goes well on the poly. (Andrew Harrison: 3-6-8-10).

Race 5

11 SPECTACULAR   8 TAKEYOURBESTSHOT   1 WINDOW TO MY SOUL   6 BALTIC ASSAYER

Summary: SPECTACULAR (1) was most disappointing when starting favourite in his poly debut. He has some useful Cape form prior to that and with a more experienced rider aboard he can make amends. TAKEYOURBESTSHOT (8) has shown up well in two starts for his new stable and will be competitive in this line-up.  WINDOW TO MY SOUL (1) made marked improvement over course and distance in his poly debut but also disappointed next time out. Alyson Wright has declared blinkers which could make the difference. BALTIC ASSAYER (6) takes on males as she steps up in trip but has shown some recent improvement. (Andrew Harrison: 11-8-1-6).

Race 6

5 LEGENDARY   3 PRINCE FLORIAN   10 STAR OF THE FUTURE   4 NUMZAAN

Summary: LEGENDARY (5) is lightly raced but ran a cracker behind the smart Choisaanada in a feature last time out. He rates the one to beat. PRINCE FLORIAN (3) made a tardy start to his last race with his jockey losing an iron. Ignore that outing and he has a strong chance in this field. NUMZAAN (4) was a comfortable winner last run and has been in mustard form over course and distance but he has taken a six-point hike in the ratings. STAR OF THE FUTURE (10) failed narrowly in first time blinkers. He acts on the poly and can go one better although drawn a touch wide. (Andrew Harrison: 5-3-10-4).

Race 7

1 ZIYAN’S PRIDE   10 EL REY VIENE   4 PORFIRIO   8 CONNOISSEUR

Summary: ZIYAN’S PRIDE (1) holds an entry for the Gr1 Premier’s Champion Stakes and if he doesn’t go close here his chances in the big race will be remote. He was a maiden winner last start and second-placed Bruh runs this Wednesday which may give some indication of his chances. EL REY VIENE (10) had it tough from a wide draw last start and makes his debut on the new poly surface. He is seldom far back. Stable companion CONNOISSEUR (8) made sudden improvement first up on the poly. It has been a long time between since his maiden win but is useful on his day. PORFIRIO (4) has been dropping down the ratings and with a 4kg claimer up will be dangerous. (Andrew Harrison: 1-10-4-8).

Race 8

3 MEXICAN PETE   1 HOPE IS POWER   8 VOLDEMORT   2 PLAZA ACCORD

Summary: Wide open handicap. MEXICAN PETE (3) has come well for his new stable and was not far back over course and distance last time out. He is primed for a good performance. HOPE IS POWER (1) is consistent. The step up in trip from a plum draw with S’Manga Khumalo up makes him a serious runner. VOLDEMORT (8) was run out of it late over course and distance last start carrying a big weight. He is up in class but has consistent form to back his claims. PLAZA ACCORD (2) is over his optimum trip with a handy galloping weight and a good draw. (Andrew Harrison: 3-1-8-2).

Race 9

1 ONE IRISH RIVER   5 VICTOR RAIL   2 GLAMORZ   3 GAELIC DANCER

Summary: Competitive handicap. ONE IRISH ROVER (1) seldom runs a bad race and makes the switch to the poly. He has a 4kg claimer up from a plum draw and should be thereabouts. VICTOR RAIL (5) has been close-up over course and distance at recent outings and should be competitive. The two fillies, GLAMORZ (2) and GAELIC DANCER (3) have similar consistent profiles and big weights but neither can be written off. (Andrew Harrison: 1-5-2-3).

Race 10

9 CRAFTY CROFTY   10 PAPILLON BLU   3 HAPPY FORTUNE   4 GETOFFMYCLOUD

Summary: The two-year-old CRAFTY CROFTY (9) has a wide draw to contend with but was a comfortable winner of her maiden at just second time of asking and looks promising. The year older PAPILLON BLU (10) has drawn one gate further out but is unbeaten on the poly and cruised to an easy win last time out. She takes a big jump in the handicap but has Gavin Lerena in the saddle. HAPPY FORTUNE (3) has come good at her last two and can go one better over what looks to be her best course. GETOFFMYCLOUD (4) has dropped in the ratings but does look better than her two post maiden efforts. (Andrew Harrison: 9-10-3-4).

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.