Source: Holllywoodbets Durban July
A 129-year-old sporting institution
First run in 1897, the Durban July has run uninterrupted over a period that included world wars, pandemics and the birth of democracy in South Africa. The 2026 race will be the 130th.
The first race
The inaugural Durban July (then called the Durban Turf Club Handicap) had only seven runners and was raced over a mile (1600 metres). The winner, Campanajo, defended his title by winning again in 1898. It is now contested over 2,200 metres, making it a true test of stamina and speed.
Double winners
Campanajo is one of only five horses to win to back-to-back July victories. The most recent was Do It Again (2018 and 2019).
Dead heats
There have only been two dead-heat winners in the race’s history. Sea Cottage and Jollify couldn’t be separated in 1967, and Pocket Power and Dancer’s Daughter crossed together in 2008.
Groundbreaking firsts
- In 2013, S’manga Khumalo became the first black African jockey to win the July (on Heavy Metal).
- In 2017, Candice Bass-Robinson became the first female trainer to win the July (with Marinaresco).
- In 2021, Ashwin Reynolds became the first person of colour to own a July winning horse (with Kommetdieding).
Right-handed race
Most global signature races run on a left-handed turf track. The July’s 2,200-metre right-handed track adds a distinctive strategic challenge for jockeys.
Fleet of foot
The course record was set by Trademark, ridden by Piere Strydom, in 2001 with a time of 131.76 seconds.
Top trainers
Justin Snaith and Mike de Kock are two of the most successful modern-day trainers, having each won five Durban July races.
Top jockey
Anton Marcus is the only jockey to have won the Durban July five times (in 1993, 2000, 2005, 2007 and 2018).
Sole female jockey
The first (and so far, only) female jockey to ride in the Hollywoodbets Durban July is Rachel Venniker, who rode Without Question in 2024.
Doing it again and again
Do It Again holds the record for the most appearances in the Hollywoodbets Durban July with six runs (from 2018 to 2023). He is also the most decorated horse in the race, winning twice and never finishing out of the places.
By the dozen
The Hollywoodbets Durban July meeting features 12 races. In 2025, 189 horses were in action.
Economic powerhouse
In 2025, the Hollywoodbets Durban July added an estimated R840 million to Durban’s gross domestic product, 11% higher than in 2024. Attendance at Hollywoodbets Greyville was 40,192 and local hotel occupancy was 80%.
Festival of fashion
More than 400 fashionistas participated in Hollywoodbets Durban July fashion programmes in 2025, and the winners received R552,500 in prizes, grants and bursaries.
In the media
In 2025, 463 accredited members of the media attended the meeting and 2.12 million viewers watched the national TV broadcast of the Hollywoodbets Durban July.