After a number of solid performances from Hollywoodbets Durban July Gr 1 prospects over the past two weekends, a total of 44 entries stood their ground when the first declaration stage for the 130th renewal of Africa’s greatest horseracing and social event was reached on Monday morning.

The 2025 Hollywoodbets Durban July top two finishers, THE REAL PRINCE and EIGHT ON EIGHTEEN, are amongst the 44 big-race hopefuls who remain in the mix as the 55 day countdown to the 4 July renewal of the historic 2200m contest has been reached. Sponsored for the fifth consecutive year by leading sportsbook operator, Hollywoodbets, the 2026 renewal will be run for all-time Africa graded stakes record of R10 million!

The revised race conditions implemented this year include bottom weight being reduced from 53kg to 52kg, while top weight has increased from 60kg to 62kg. Restoring the full 10kg spread in the range of weights means the race boasts the hallmark of a true, open handicap.

Nineteen of the original sixty-three entries have been withdrawn, including Justin Snaith’s Cape Classic Gr 3 hero GREAT PLAINS, the De Kock TAB Guineas Gr 2 star SPLITTHEEIGHTS, and the Galileo import THE EQUATOR, who has recently transferred from Tony Peter to Stuart Pettigrew.

Multiple SA Champion Justin Snaith still holds a nine-strong hand, and with Mike de Kock (3 entries), who now trains in partnership with his son Mathew, is tied on 5 previous winners each. Between the two leading yards, they hold a power hand of 12 entries.

Only two jockeys have been declared thus far.

KZN-based Tristan Godden will ride Frank Robinson’s MOCHA BLEND, on whom he won the Betway Summer Cup Gr 1, while 2024 Hollywoodbets Durban July champion JP van der Merwe partners Snaith’s REGULATION, on whom he won the Ownpay Peninsula Handicap Gr 3, and caught the eye with a storming late finish behind Isivivane in last Saturday’s World Sports Betting 1900.

Key dates:

• First supplementary entries: 11h00 Tuesday 12 May
• Second declarations: 11h00 Monday 8 June
• Final supplementary entries: 11h00 Monday 15 June
• Weights: Monday 15 June
• Final declarations: 11h00 Monday 22 June

A final field of 20 – including 2 reserve runners – will be announced on Tuesday 23 June.

Save the date of Thursday 25 June for the ever-popular official public gallops at the big-race venue.

It was announced late last week that Hollywoodbets Brand Ambassador Anlia Etzebeth is set to perform the national anthem at South Africa’s premier horse racing event and will be part of a spectacular showcase at the event.

Racegoers can expect a winning blend of world-class racing, high fashion, music and entertainment.

Tickets for the 4 July spectacular are now on sale for general admission, picnic sites and VIP hospitality packages, and parking via Ticketpro (www.ticketpro.co.za).