Events

Hollywoodbets Durban July: A Showcase of South African Horseracing Excellence

June 30, 2023

1 min read

The Hollywoodbets Durban July is Africa’s premier horseracing event, with this year’s race taking place on Saturday, 1 July at Hollywoodbets Greyville. Renowned trainer Justin Snaith has positioned himself as a force to be reckoned with, entering five runners in the 18-horse field.

Snaith’s Contenders

Snaith’s contenders are set to make a significant impact on the race, which promises to be an international affair. Reserve runners Nebraas and Jimmy Don, along with Aragosta, Union Square, and Electric Gold, will compete over a challenging 2200 meters.

Notable Entries

Famed French jockey Christophe Soumillon will fly in to ride Mike de Kock’s Safe Passage, adding an extra layer of excitement to the event. Safe Passage is considered a strong contender after finishing as a close second in the G1 Betway Summer Cup.

Bernard Fayde’Herbe, a jockey with a riding infraction in Mauritius, has been given the green light to partner with Pomp And Power for Justin Snaith. Experienced runner Do It Again, who has won the race twice before, will attempt his record sixth race with Gavin Lerena in the saddle.

Fillies in the Race

Four fillies will also participate in the race, including recent Gr1 Woolavington 2000 winner Rain In Holland, runner-up Time Flies, Silver Darling – last year’s Woolavington winner – and Gr1 Wilgerbosdrift SA Fillies Classic winner Bless My Stars from the Sean Tarry stable.

Trainer Aspirations

Michael Roberts, an 11-time South African Champion Jockey and successful rider of Super Quality in 1997, is now seeking to find the winner’s enclosure as a trainer. He will saddle the ante-post favorite, See It Again, with veteran rider Piere Strydom taking the reins.

Weiho Marwing hopes to erase the disappointment of Wylie Hall’s 2014 relegation as he sends out Gr1 WSB SA Derby winner Son Of Raj, a horse that has quickly risen through the ranks under owner Stephen Chetty.

The Hollywoodbets Durban July is shaping up to be a thrilling and unforgettable event, with 55,000 spectators eagerly watching as the finest horses in South Africa compete for glory and prestige. Trip of Fortune, the top weight, was supplemented into the race at a cost of R30,195 – an impressive feat considering the horse has never run further than 1600 meters. The race also includes other notable entries, such as Puerto Manzano and Without Question, making it one not to miss.

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