The Hollywoodbets Durban July gallops are a longstanding institution at Hollywoodbets Greyville ahead of the R5 million spectacular, which will be run for the 129th time on Saturday 5 July.
In perfect weather conditions at a vibrant Hollywoodbets Greyville on Thursday, an enthusiastic record crowd – probably larger than that seen at many local racemeetings – turned out to enjoy coffee and pastries and watch their big race fancies going through their paces.
While the out-of-province runners gallops were broadcast on the big screen, the KZN-based Hollywoodbets Durban July stars were showcased at the historic race-venue.
Everybody’s looking at Eight On Eighteen (Richard Fourie) as the favourite rounds off a good gallop (Pic – Candiese Lenferna)
Newsmaking favourite Eight On Eighteen initiated a tangible wave of excitement amongst enthusiastic spectators, when he strode out beautifully under Richard Fourie from the mile mark with stablemate Makazole.
“Eight on Eighteen gave little away during his workout and was well cared for by Richard Fourie. One doesn’t win the Hollywoodbets Durban July ten days out – less is more. He settled beautifully and responded powerfully when urged by his jockey, who then eased him with much left in the tank. This experience will significantly benefit him over the next ten days,” said Jonathan Snaith, who confirmed that he was also very pleased with both the favourite’s stablemates, Native Ruler and Okavango.
See who galloped with who and the times:
On the wellbeing of longshot Native Ruler, Snaith said that the 3yo son of Vercingetorix displayed impressive balance throughout his training session and appeared to enjoy his time at Hollywoodbets Greyville.
“He will be positioned off the pace early in the race but is expected to finish strongly,” he added.
The Cape-based horseman observed that Andrew Fortune’s mount Okavango remains an immature horse.
“Okavango’s best racing is still ahead of him. Although he was somewhat green during his gallop, he is capable and is an underrated competitor. His form is excellent, and with a favorable weight in the Hollywoodbets Durban July next weekend, he is likely to perform well.”
Craig Zackey makes The Real Prince work as Sean Veale keeps him honest on Rosh Kedesh (Pic – Candiese Lenferna)
Dean Kannemeyer had The Real Prince galloping with the capable Rosh Kedesh from the 1400m.
“There is no point in making them look pretty. That’s why I purposely used a solid work-horse like Rosh Kedesh to make The Real Prince stretch. He’s not a horse who shows a lot in his work but Craig (Zackey) picked him up nicely at the 800m and then made him work over the final 400m. His recovery rate was good. That’s his prep. He is in good shape and we are very happy,” said three-time July winning trainer Dean Kannemeyer.
Paarl-based Glen Kotzen hasn’t tasted Durban July victory in 16 years since his much-loved stable star Big City Life stormed home and the Woodhill warrior will be looking to have On My Honour in peak trim on 5 July.
The 3yo son of champion sire Gimmethegreenlight looked in terrific order as he galloped from the mile with staying stablemate Blackberry Malt. While the gallops aren’t a beauty contest, On My Honour caught the eye and strode out like a happy horse under big race pilot, Smanga Khumalo.
Smanga Khumalo takes On My Honour through an eyecatching gallop (Pic – Candiese Lenferna)
Michael Roberts’ dual Gr1 winner, and 2023 Hollywoodbets Durban July runner-up, See It Again was presented in the parade ring but was not galloped as a precautionary measure in view of a temperature spike. The chestnut looked in fine fettle and will be closely monitored, according to his trainer.
“It was particularly warm this morning but we didn’t want to take any chances. As many people observed, he looked magnificent. We will monitor him closely in the build-up,” added the man who won this race in 1997 on Super Quality for David Ferraris.
Others to step out included Madison Valley, Royal Victory, Selukwe, Rainbow Lorikeet, Okavango, Gladatorian and Native Ruler. It was impossible to fault any of them.
Watch the gallops:
Tote betting for the 2025 Hollywoodbets Durban July raceday opens on Monday 30 June.
The carryovers on the day include R2 million into the Pick 6, which is projected to reach R15 million, R1 million towards the Hollywoodbets Durban July quartet pool, which should get to R10 million, while Jackpot 3 runs from race 9 and the R500 000 carryover injection could boost the pool to R3 million.
The Hollywoodbets Durban July is a World Pool race, with commingling of massive international pools with the Hong Kong Jockey Club. Please note that there are only 3 places payable on the Hollywoodbets Durban July (race 7).
