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.

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

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!