Durban July prize money doubled to R10m for 2026
- Durban July 2026 prize money will double to R10 million
- Race returns to traditional handicap format with wider weight spread
- Changes aimed at boosting excitement and economic impact
Jockey Craig Zackey (L) rides "The Real Prince" on his way to the finish line to win the 2025 edition of the Durban July. (Getty)
Africa’s greatest horse racing and social event, the Hollywoodbets Durban July will be run for double the prize money for 2026 - cementing its status as the continent's richest horse race.
Hollywoodbets announced on Friday that the total Durban July prize money will double to an unprecedented R10 million. The winner of the 2026 race will see their share double to R6 million, and the rest of the pool will be distributed more deeply, with prize money now shared among the top 12 finishers, rather than the top 10 of previous years.
The news was unveiled at the "July in Christmas" event at Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse, where Devin Heffer, the group’s brand and communications manager, emphasised that the decision matches the event's growing prestige.
"Every year since Hollywoodbets took over sponsorship in 2022, the July meeting has been bigger and better, and we decided the prize money should match the growing prestige and popularity of the feature race," Heffer said. "The increase in prize money is part of our mission to return South African horse racing to its glory days."
Returning to True Handicap Roots
Beyond the boosted prize pool, Durban July organisers are honouring its heritage by returning the 130th renewal of the Hollywoodbets Durban July to its traditional handicap roots.
The key change is a significantly wider weight spread, aimed at giving a better chance to a broader spectrum of horses.
In 2025, only 7kg separated the lightest and heaviest contenders. For 2026, that spread will increase to 10kg. This is achieved by reducing the bottom weight by 1kg to 52kg and increasing the top weight by 2kg to 62kg.
Handicap races are designed to level the playing field by allocating weights based on a horse's merit rating, age, and sex. Heffer explained their intent, “Taking into account the variables of age and sex, the fundamental is that the higher a horse’s official merit rating, the more weight that horse will carry.”
"By reducing the lightest weight horses carry... and increasing the heaviest weight, we’re levelling the playing field and honouring the true handicap heritage of a race that was first run in 1897,” Heffer stated.
The greater spread not only helps to level the playing field, but creates significant opportunities for punters, making the race more competitive and less predictable. Heffer believes this will add "hugely to its excitement," noting that it "means that even long-shot horses have a real chance of glory."
The changes are expected to intensify competition among owners for the coveted 18 places in the starting field. An estimated R840 million was added to Durban’s gross domestic product by the 2025 event, a figure the 2026 changes are expected to increase significantly.
"The first Saturday in July is the biggest day on South Africa’s horse racing calendar," Heffer concluded. "By doubling the stakes and restoring the true handicap format, we’re investing in the future of South African racing. These changes will benefit everyone—from owners and trainers to jockeys and grooms, as well as the millions of racegoers who make the Hollywoodbets Durban July the race that stops the nation.”
