Please note: South African Quartet Pools with fractional betting offered at Goodwood (UK) – 8 June 2025.

Race 1     

8 GIMMEFORSURE 5 TRAJANUS 4 SIMBINE 1 BINGO

Preview:

8 GIMMEFORSURE is well bred being by Gimmethegreenlight and a half-brother to the useful Quasiforsure. 5 TRAJANUS made a fair debut and could improve. 4 SIMBINE can earn if repeating his last start. 1 BINGO has the form to make the frame. (David Thiselton 8-5-4-1)

Race 2     

1 FIERY ROSE 6 QUEEN’S PACT 5 ON THE RUN 8 WAR TALK

Preview:

1 FIERY ROSE made a good debut and with improvement should go one better. 6 QUEEN’S PACT has shown some ability and could be a contender. 5 ON THE RUN is by Trippi out of a Captain Al mare. 8 WAR TALK is by Act Of War out of an A.P. Answer mare and is a half-sister to a couple of winners. (David Thiselton 1-6-5-8)

Race 3     

1 TEXAS RED 2 WHITE PEARL 6 RADICCHIO 7 BUSSTOPINHOUNSLOW

Preview:

1 TEXAS RED has been facing the top horses and has been thereabouts so should go close in this lesser field. 2 WHITE PEARL is an honest sort with class and she is distance suited and well drawn. 6 RADICCHIO proved himself up to his merit rating last time and is well drawn over his suitable trip. 7 BUSSTOPINHOUNSLOW has faced top horses in his last two starts and back in this company could be a threat. (David Thiselton 1-2-6-7)

Race 4     

7 EMERALD FORGE 1 OLD FASHIONED 5 PALACE PRINCE 3 DRAGONHEART

Preview:

7 EMERALD FORGE is a hard knocker and she could get it right here over an ideal trip. 1 OLD FASHIONED disappointed a bit in his last two but at his best could go close. 5 PALACE PRINCE made a fair debut and should be in the shake-up. 3 DRAGONHEART can do better than last time when he was backed and finished last of five. (David Thiselton 7-1-5-3)

Race 5     

1 TUSCAN ROMANCE 8 RENDEVOUS IN RIO 12  SHIMMERING 5 POTATO SALAD

Preview:

1 TUSCAN ROMANCE made a fine Highveld debut and can go one better in a drop in trip which could suit her. 8 RENDEVOUS IN RIO faced a good sort last time and finished best of the rest. 12  SHIMMERING improved second time out and can improve again. 5 POTATO SALAD has shown some form before and if bouncing back could earn. (David Thiselton 1-8-12-5)

Race 6     

5 RACHEL WALL 1 ALTA CAPITANA 3 LIMERICK LACE 8 REJUVENATE

Preview:

5 RACHEL WALL made an impressive debut over 1,200 metres and is well drawn over a suitable step-up in trip.  1 ALTA CAPITANA also made a good debut and is drawn in pole with Richard Fourie up over a step-up in trip she will relish. 3 LIMERICK LACE made a good debut and will be a suitable step-up in trip but she does have a tough draw. 8 REJUVENATE has been running some fair races in the maidens and could improve. (David Thiselton 5-1-3-8)

Race 7     

8 TAKE NO PRISONERS 1 CHRONICLE KING 2 IDEAL SUMMER 9 TIN PAN ALLEY

Preview:

8 TAKE NO PRISONERS made a good winning debut over 1,400 metres after being backed and could follow up if able to overcome a tricky draw. 1 CHRONICLE KING won well last time and the form has been franked but he does also have a tricky draw. 2 IDEAL SUMMER also won well last time and the form has also been franked but he does also have a tricky draw. 9 TIN PAN ALLEY is well drawn and has the ability to upset the apple cart. (David Thiselton 8-1-2-9)

Race 8     

3 MUSICAL SCORE 1 ATTICUS FINCH 8 OLIVIA’S WAY 9 IMMEDIATE EDGE

Preview:

3 MUSICAL SCORE will be out to book a place in the July and he has the class to do it. 1 ATTICUS FINCH is the Summer Cup winner so deserves top weight and if able to overcome a wide draw he could be right there. 8 OLIVIA’S WAY has been in fine form and should make another bold bid over a suitable trip. 9 IMMEDIATE EDGE should be running on strongly from a good draw over what should be a suitable trip. (David Thiselton 3-1-8-9)

 Race 9     

1 CONFEDERATE 2 LEGEND OF ARTHUR 5 CHOISAANADA 7 PUMPKIN PIE

Preview:

1 CONFEDERATE is a classy sort and from a good draw should be the one to beat. 2 LEGEND OF ARTHUR is also a Gr 1 winner and although this is on the sharp side he should be running on. 5 CHOISAANADA is highly thought of and bounced back to form last time and can be a player if able to overcome a wide draw. 7 PUMPKIN PIE has made a good start to his career and could be in the shake up. (David Thiselton 1-2-5-7)

David Thiselton

The Turffontein Standside meeting tomorrow is headlined by the Gr 3 Jubilee Stakes over 1800m and it will be intriguing as some horses try and earn berths in the Hollywoodbets Durban July, while others use it as a build up but can’t risk elimination from the final field by running bad races. 

The most intriguing runner is The Equator, a very well bred former Aidan O’Brien-trained Galileo colt. He is a three-parts brother to Breeders Cup Juvenile Turf and Gr 1 Irish 1000 Guineas winner Lake Victoria and is reported to have put up an exceptional gallop at Turffontein Inside recently. He is drawn four over a trip on the sharp side for him and Richard Fourie is up. Galileo has done well as a broodmare sire out here but has not shone as a sire. The Equator is a fascinating runner, but he might need it and there are those other one or two question marks.

Musical score is a useful three-year-old who is going for a hat-trick over what should be a suitable step-up in trip and he could book his place in the July with a win here under Gavin Lerena, although it’s going to be tough from draw 10. 

Atticus Finch has an even tougher draw of 11, but the Betway Summer Cup runner has the class to carry joint top weight into the placings. 

Olivia’s way is in top form and comes off a fine win in the Gr 2 TAB Igugu Stakes over 2000m. She will also enjoy this distance and carrying just 53.5kg under Serino Moodley, who seems to ride the Highveld courses very well, she should have a shout if able to find a good position from draw seven.

Immediate edge has won twice over 2000m on this course, so should be a big runner here from a plum draw of two, although officially he is 3,5kg  under sufferance with Olivia’s way. 

Tamarisk Tree is in fine form and is distance suited, but does have the widest draw of all to overcome.

Son of Raj was not persevered with in the Gr 1 Premier’s champions challenge as the jockey felt something amiss, so he has a bit of a cloud hanging over his head, but before that he won the Gr 3 Betway London News Stakes over this course and distance in fine style. He is going for a third successive inclusion in the Hollywoodbets Durban July final field, so certainly has the ability to be a big runner here. 

Let’s Go Now proved last time she enjoys middle distance trips by winning the Gr 2 TAB Colorado King Stakes over 2000m. This is a tougher field, but she is difficult to ignore. 

Navajo Nation won over course and distance last time, but faces Tamarisk Tree on 2kg worst terms for a 0.3 length beating.

In the first leg of the Pick 6 over 1160m Emerald Forge is knocking hard and could it get it right here over an ideal trip with Richard Fourie aboard. Old Fashioned  disappointed in his last two starts and still has to prove he stays beyond 1000m. Palace Prince made a good debut and with improvement could be right there. Dragonheart was backed on debut, but finished last of five and could improve. Space Mission is by Willow Magic and is a full brother to the Gr 1 winner MK’s Pride.  

In the fifth over 1160m former Cape horse Tuscan Romance made a fine Highveld debut and can go one better in a drop in trip which could suit her and she does not have much to beat.

In the sixth race Rachel Wall impressed on debut with a runaway win over 1200m and is well drawn here over the 1400m trip which should suit her.  Alta Capitana also won well on debut and should relish the step up in trip on pedigree, so can go close from pole position. Limerick Lace made a good winning debut and will enjoy this trip, but does have a tricky draw. 

In the seventh race over 1400m Take No Prisoners won well on debut over this course and distance and this well-bred sort can follow up, although he has a tricky draw. Chronicle King won well second time out over 1600m and the form has been franked, so he could go close if able to overcome a tricky draw. Ideal Summer also has a wide draw, but the form of his good win over 1700m has been franked. Tin Pan Alley has some useful form against good sorts over sprints and over what should be a suitable step up in trip, he is well drawn, so he could be right there. King Harald also has plenty of ability is interesting stepped up to this trip.

In the last race Confederate won the Gr 1 SA Classic and should enjoy this trip from pole position. Legend of Arthur’s class can pull him through over too sharp a trip. Choisaanada is highly thought of and is coming to hand. Pumpkin Pie also looks promising. Kamensky has won his last two and has a fair draw. 

In the first leg of the PA, Texas Red has been facing top horses and has been thereabouts. White Pearl also has plenty of class and jumps from a good draw over an ideal trip. Radiccio is a versatile type and has the class to be involved here from a good draw. Busstopinhounslow is able to produce a good finish and looks distance suited here. Savannah Storm is capable of popping up.

In the first leg of the Bipot, Fiery Rose made a good debut and with improvement should go one better. Queen’s Pact can also be included as she has shown some ability. 

In the first race over 1000m Gimmeforsure is by Gimmethegreenlight and is a half-sister to Quasiforsure and could contest it with Trajanus and Simbine.

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!