The wait is finally over. The official Hollywoodbets Durban July 2026 Final Field has been confirmed, with 18 runners set to line up for Africa’s richest horse race on Saturday, 4 July 2026, at Greyville Racecourse.
There has already been one significant late change to the field. Early contender Star Major was scratched after developing a slightly elevated temperature, with trainer James Crawford confirming the horse’s welfare came first. As a result, Choisaanada has been promoted from first reserve into the official field.
Now celebrating its 130th running, the Hollywoodbets Durban July continues to cement its place as South Africa’s biggest horse racing event. This year’s race carries a record R10 million purse, including a massive R6 million for the winner, the largest first prize ever offered in African graded horse racing.
The final field still features an outstanding mix of Grade 1 winners, exciting three-year-olds, talented fillies and experienced campaigners, setting the stage for what promises to be one of the most competitive Durban Julys in recent memory. Check out our Durban July 2026 Betting Tips and predictions to find your best bets.
Check out our Durban July 2026 Betting Tips and predictions to find your best bets.
Hollywoodbets Durban July 2026 Final Field
| Draw | Horse | Jockey | Trainer | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isivivane | Sean Veale | Peter Muscutt | 52kg |
| 2 | Regulation | Zac Lloyd | Justin Snaith | 52kg |
| 3 | The Ultimate King | Kabelo Matsunyane | Tony Peter | 56.5kg |
| 4 | Choisaanada | TBA | Erico Verdonese | 58.5kg |
| 5 | Legal Counsel | Callan Murray | Justin Snaith | 62kg |
| 6 | Hazy Dazy | Trent Mayhew | Corne Spies | 54.5kg |
| 7 | Wish List | Andrew Fortune | Justin Snaith | 54.5kg |
| 8 | Gladatorian | Muzi Yeni | Stuart Ferrie | 61.5kg |
| 9 | Viva’s Liberte | Craig Zackey | Candice Bass | 53kg |
| 10 | Native Ruler | Keagan de Melo | Justin Snaith | 58.5kg |
| 11 | Note To Self | Richard Fourie | Justin Snaith | 55kg |
| 12 | Zeitz | Serino Moodley | Andre Nel | 53kg |
| 13 | Mocha Blend | Tristan Godden | Frank Robinson | 56.5kg |
| 14 | I Salute You | Mark du Plessis | Peter Muscutt | 54.5kg |
| 15 | Olivia’s Way | JP van der Merwe | Roy Magner | 55kg |
| 16 | Minogue | Gavin Lerena | Candice & Tammy Dawson | 56kg |
| 17 | King Pelles | Chad Schofield | Gareth van Zyl | 59kg |
| 18 | Aladdin’s Lamp | Calvin Habib | Mike de Kock | 53kg |
Reserve Runners
19. Choisaanada (Erico Verdone)
Recommended Durban July Betting Sites
- Lucky Fish : R50 Free Bet and 25 Free Spins no deposit required.
- Hollywoodbets : R25 Sign up bonus and 50 Free Spins no deposit required
- Betway : R10 Free Bet, R10 Free Spins and 10 Free Flights, plus a 100% deposit match bonus up to R1000
Star Major Scratched Ahead of Race Day
One of the biggest stories leading into the 2026 Hollywoodbets Durban July has been the withdrawal of Star Major.
Trainer James Crawford confirmed that the colt developed a slightly elevated temperature during race week. Although the issue is believed to be minor, the stable chose not to take any risks, explaining that the horse’s welfare comes first and that it would have been unfair to both connections and the betting public to compete unless he was at his absolute best.
The late scratching has opened the door for Choisaanada, who has been promoted from first reserve into the official field. While reserve runners rarely get the opportunity to contest the Durban July, Choisaanada now gets his chance on South Africa’s biggest racing stage.
Click here to see our full selection of betting tips
R10 Million on the Line
This year’s Hollywoodbets Durban July is another landmark moment for South African racing. The total prize fund remains at R10 million, but one of the biggest talking points is the distribution of that money. Connections of the winning horse will receive a massive R6 million, while prize money will now be paid all the way down to 12th place. The increased prize structure rewards owners, trainers, jockeys, breeders, and stable staff, while continuing to elevate the status of Africa’s premier horse race.
Justin Snaith Holds a Powerful Hand
Few trainers arrive with a stronger team than Justin Snaith.
The multiple Durban July-winning trainer saddles five runners:
- Regulation
- Legal Counsel
- Wish List
- Native Ruler
- Note To Self
His jockey bookings have created plenty of discussion. Australian jockey Zac Lloyd takes the ride aboard Regulation after originally being booked for the now-injured Happy Verse. Meanwhile, veteran jockey Andrew Fortune has elected to partner dual Grade 1-winning filly Wish List from gate seven. At what could be his final Durban July appearance, Fortune will be hoping to finally add South Africa’s biggest race to his remarkable career achievements.
International Riders Add Extra Excitement
The 2026 renewal has an international flavour thanks to several overseas-based riders joining the line-up.
These include:
- Zac Lloyd
- Chad Schofield
- Mark du Plessis
- Mickaëlle Michel
Their presence adds another fascinating layer to what is already shaping up as an exceptionally competitive contest.
Fillies Looking to Make History
Six fillies and mares have earned places in this year’s field. One of the leading hopes is Viva’s Liberte, trained by Candice Bass and ridden by defending Durban July-winning jockey Craig Zackey. Craig Zackey returns looking to win back-to-back Hollywoodbets Durban Julys after partnering The Real Prince to victory in 2025.
Minogue also attracts attention for the Dawson sisters, Candice and Tammy Dawson, with reigning South African champion jockey Gavin Lerena taking the ride. Olivia’s Way is another intriguing contender and will be partnered by 2024 Durban July-winning jockey JP van der Merwe.
New Handicap Conditions for 2026
This year’s race introduces revised handicap conditions designed to create a more traditional handicap.
Key changes include:
- Top weight increased from 60kg to 62kg.
- Bottom weight reduced from 53kg to 52kg.
- A full 10kg handicap spread has been restored.
The intention is to create a fairer contest where every kilogram once again plays a meaningful role in determining the outcome. It will be fascinating to see whether these changes have a noticeable impact on the result.
Horses to Watch
With Star Major out of the race, the betting market has become even more competitive.
Several runners stand out as genuine winning chances.
- Wish List has emerged as one of the market leaders after drawing well in gate seven and securing Andrew Fortune.
- Note To Self gives Justin Snaith and Richard Fourie another outstanding opportunity to win the Durban July.
- Regulation carries just 52kg from draw two and looks extremely well handicapped.
- Viva’s Liberte continues to attract strong market support under defending Durban July-winning jockey Craig Zackey.
- Legal Counsel has the class to overcome top weight if able to reproduce his best form.
- Native Ruler appeals as one of the better value runners after an encouraging preparation.
With such a deep and evenly matched field, finding the winner will be anything but straightforward.
The Gambler’s Thoughts
The Hollywoodbets Durban July rarely disappoints, and the 2026 edition looks every bit as competitive as we’ve come to expect.
Star Major’s withdrawal has only added to the intrigue. What looked like a race with a fairly clear favourite has become one of the most open Durban Julys in years, with Wish List, Note To Self, Regulation, Viva’s Liberte and several others all holding realistic winning claims.
At this stage, barrier draws, final gallops, and betting market movements will become increasingly important as race day approaches. If you’re planning to have a bet, keep a close eye on how the market develops during the week, as support for leading contenders often provides valuable insight.
Whatever happens on Saturday, one thing is certain: the 130th running of the Hollywoodbets Durban July promises another unforgettable chapter in South African racing history.
Visit The Gambler for more betting news, guides and insights. You can also explore our list of the best casino sites in South Africa, or check out our latest no deposit free spins offers currently available. Best of luck with your betting!
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Hollywoodbets Durban July 2026?
The Hollywoodbets Durban July takes place on Saturday, 4 July 2026, at Greyville Racecourse in Durban.
How much is the Durban July worth?
The total prize purse is R10 million, with the winner earning R6 million, the largest first prize in African graded horse racing.
How many horses are in the Durban July 2026 field?
The official field consists of 18 runners plus 2 reserve runners.
Who is the defending Durban July champion?
The Real Prince won the 2025 Hollywoodbets Durban July under Craig Zackey but will not defend the title as he is targeting the HKJC Champions Cup later in the season.
Which trainer has the most runners?
Justin Snaith saddles five runners, the largest representation of any trainer in the 2026 field.
Which jockeys have previously won the Durban July?
Previous winners in this year’s field include Craig Zackey, Richard Fourie, JP van der Merwe, Gavin Lerena, and Kabelo Matsunyane.
Warren’s been in the betting game for over 15 years, testing sites, chasing bonuses, and figuring out what actually pays and what doesn’t. He’s spent plenty of time on Spina Zonke, with Hot Hot Fruit being a long-time favourite. At The Gambler, he shares real, straight-talking insights to help South African players get more value from their play and stay away from the sites that aren’t worth it.