2025 Durban July News - Key Dates and Entry Information

Jon Vine

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Last updated: 22 May 2025

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Jon Vine 22 May 2025

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Hollywoodbets Durban July: Premier South African racing event
R5 million prize, with R3 million for the winner
Key dates include June 9th: Second Declarations Close; July 5th: Race Day

The Durban July. (Getty)

The Hollywoodbets Durban July is South Africa’s most celebrated horse racing event, attracting elite thoroughbreds, top trainers, and passionate racing enthusiasts from around the world.

Held annually at Greyville Racecourse in Durban, this Grade 1 handicap race is not only a test of speed and stamina but also a spectacle of fashion, entertainment, and high-stakes competition. With a lucrative prize purse of R5 million, the stakes are higher than ever, making the entry process a crucial journey for contenders aiming to secure a spot in the final field.

The initial entries for the 2025 Durban July have already been announced. You can find the full list on our website.

Here are some other dates to add to your calendar, as the 2025 renewal of this historic race approaches...

2025 Durban July Key Dates

June 9th - Second Declarations Close at 11h00
June 17th - Final Supplementary Entries Close at 11h00
June 18th - The Official Weights Will Be Published
June 24th - Final Field and Draw Announced
June 26th - Public Gallop
June 28th - Final Field of 20 Confirmed (Plus Two Reserves)
July 5th - Durban July Takes Place at Greyville

The Hollywoodbets Durban July boasts a R5 million prize pool, making it one of the richest races in South Africa.

The winner of the race will take home approximately R3 million, while second place earns R800,000, third place R400,000, and fourth place R200,000. This substantial prize money not only rewards the connections of the victorious horse but also incentivizes top-tier competition, attracting the best thoroughbreds from across the country.

Justin Snaith's rising stable star, Eight On Eighteen remains the bookies favourite to land the lion's share of this prize pool.

Last year’s champion, Oriental Charm, returns to defend his title, aiming to secure back-to-back victories. See It Again has previously placed second in the 2023 Durban July and fifth in 2024, proving his ability to perform on the big stage.

A talented filly trained by Joey Soma, Fiery Pegasus has won the SA Fillies Classic and SA Oaks but was recently withdrawn from contention to allow her time to mature. Other promising three-year-old set to take part in this year's Durban July include Confederate, Native Ruler, and Parisian Walkway