(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).

Please Note: South African Quartet Pools with fractional betting offered at Newcastle and Windsor (UK) – 27 June 2026.

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.