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.

Knoflokskraal: Reclaiming Roots in the Elgin Valley

Knoflokskraal is a small farming community in South Africa’s Elgin Valley where mostly Khoisan people have settled to reclaim their ancestral land. Since 2020, they’ve turned wild bushland into fields of crops and homes, striving to live independently despite facing tough challenges like water shortages and government restrictions. The settlers work hard to build a future rooted in their history and culture, showing strong hope and resilience even when the odds are against them. Their story is about more than just land—it’s about identity, survival, and the dream of belonging.

Eskom’s Struggles and Efforts: A Journey Through South Africa’s Energy Crisis

Eskom, South Africa’s main electricity provider, is facing tough times in an ongoing energy crisis. With power outages called load shedding becoming a regular part of life, the company struggles to meet its energy goals, recording a low energy availability factor of just 60.6% for 2025. Despite efforts to improve maintenance and reduce reliance on expensive diesel, challenges like high debt and outdated infrastructure make it hard for Eskom to keep the lights on. However, there’s a glimmer of hope as renewable energy projects and efficiency improvements show promise for a brighter future.

Latest from Blog

saldanha bay legal case human trafficking trial south africa

Legal Crossroads in Saldanha Bay: The Joshlin Smith Case

The Joshlin Smith case in Saldanha Bay is a tense legal battle about serious human trafficking charges involving a missing child. The quiet fishing town became a spotlight for grief and hope as the courtroom drama unfolded, relying heavily on witness testimony with little physical proof. The defense challenged the weak evidence, while the community and media watched closely, showing how justice is both a legal fight and a story told through public eyes. This case reveals South Africa’s struggle to find truth and fairness amid deep pain and uncertainty.

wildfires cape town table mountain ecology

Wildfire on Table Mountain: Cape Town’s Annual Battle Against the Flames

Each dry summer, wildfires sweep across Cape Town’s Table Mountain, driven by hot winds, invasive plants, and sometimes human carelessness. These fires roar quickly through thick fynbos, threatening rare plants and homes alike, while firefighters battle bravely from land and sky to control the flames. The community comes together, sending supplies and support, showing how deeply Cape Towners care for their mountain. Though fire is part of nature’s cycle, climate change and frequent blazes put this delicate balance at risk, making every effort to protect Table Mountain more important than ever.

south africa vat reversal public protest impact

Public Outcry and a Policy Reversed: The Scrapping of South Africa’s VAT Hike

South Africa decided not to raise VAT by 0.5% after a big public outcry. People worried the extra tax would make life harder with rising prices and many without jobs. Protests, legal fights, and political pressure made the government change its mind. This choice shows how South Africans’ voices can shape important government decisions. Now, the country faces new challenges to find money without hurting its people.

Miracle on the Rails: Four Women Transform a Cape Town Commute

One busy morning on a Cape Town train, four women from Herschel Girls’ School helped a young mother give birth right there in the crowded carriage. With calm hearts and quick thinking, they cleared space, sang songs of hope, and supported her through the pain. When baby Grace cried for the first time, passengers cheered, turning the train into a joyful celebration. This amazing act of kindness showed how ordinary people can come together to create miracles in the most surprising moments.

cape town rugby united rugby championship

Saturday Night Rugby: Cape Town’s Urban Festival Unfolds

Saturday Night Rugby in Cape Town lights up the city with a mix of thrilling rugby, music, and fun for families. Fans dressed in blue gather early to welcome the Stormers, turning the streets and stadium into a buzzing playground of cheers, food, and games. The city blends sport and culture seamlessly, with special transport making sure everyone moves smoothly through the lively crowds. As rugby and jazz fans fill the night, Cape Town shines bright, celebrating community, tradition, and the joy of being together.

the ultimate mother city guide