Dates and vital information about the 2023 Durban July
South Africa's most famous horse race will be run at Greyville on Saturday 1st July 2023
Sparkling Water ridden by jockey S'manga "Bling" Khumalo wins the 2022 edition of the Durban July horse race in Durban, on July 2, 2022. (Getty)
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When is the 2023 Durban July?
The 2023 Durban July will be run at Greyville racecourse on Saturday 1st July 2023.
What is the Durban July?
The Durban July is the most famous horse race to be run in South Africa. This Grade One was first staged at Greyville racecourse in 1897 and has been won by many of South Africa's most famous horses. The Durban July is a handicap race run over a distance of 2200m.
Who sponsors the Durban July?
The Durban July is sponsored by bookmakers Hollywoodbets. Hollywoodbets took over sponsorship from Vodacom in 2022.
The Durban July is reserved for the best horses in South Africa. Sparkling Water will likely return to Greyville in 2023 to try and defend her crown. This season's top three-year-olds, Safe Passage and Pomp And Power will be four by the time next year's race rolls around. Kommetdieding, Linebacker and Do It Again could also run again.
Where is the Durban July run?
The Durban July is run at Greyville racecourse. Hollywoodbets Greyvile can be found in Durban, South Africa.
Where can I watch the Durban July?
The 2023 Durban July will be shown on several global television stations, but the easiest way would be to strea, the race live. If you plan on watching the racing via your mobile or tablet, then bookmakers such as bet365 will allow you to stream the race live.
Durban July Live Streaming
The bet365 live streaming service covers a wide range of horse racing on a daily basis. Here's how to stream the 2023 Durban July live online:
New customers only. 18+ T&Cs and wagering requirements apply.
To watch a bet365 live stream users must be logged in and have a funded account or to have placed a bet in the last 24 hours. 18+, geo-restrictions & terms and conditions apply.
Open Account Offer: Up to £100 in Bet Credits for new customers at bet365. Min deposit £5. Bet Credits available for use upon settlement of bets to value of qualifying deposit. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply. The bonus code NEWBONUS can be used during registration, but does not change the offer amount in any way.
Durban July History
The first running of the July Handicap was in 1897 and it is commonly held on the first Saturday of July.
The Durban July Handicap is raced on turf and is South Africa's best thoroughbred horse race.
It was originally run over 1600m but was changed to 2200m in 1970 when Court Day took out the Group 1 prize for connections.
Trainer Mike de Kock, who trained champion sprinter Rocket Man, has had good success in the July Handicap with four winners.
De Kock trained Ipi Tombe, Greys Inn and Igugu. The South African-born trainer doesn't hold the record for most wins, however, with Sydney C. Laird winning seven times.
Terence M. Millard trainer six winners in eight years during the 1980's and 1990's.
Four jockeys have scored multiple wins in the race but Piere Strydom has had the most recent success, winning in 2016 with The Conglomerate for Australian-born trainer Joey Ramsden.
International success came with Colorado King winning in 1963. It would later win the Hollywood Gold Cup and set a world record for 1800m when winning the American Handicap.
Three-year-old runners have a great success rate in the Durban July Handicap.
60 percent of races run since 1998 have been won by three-year-olds and four-year-old runners are also worth noting.
Favourites haven't fared well in recent times for various reasons.
Only three favourites have won in the last 13 years and there has never been an odds-on winner of the Durban July Handicap, with the shortest-priced winner, Sea Cottage, paying 11/10 ($2.10) with bookmakers.
There have been four back-to-back winners which is a good betting trends for punters to take note of.
Wide draws haven't helped in the past but there has been some recent winners drawing out wide.
Bookmakers always offer a wide-open betting field and that allows punters to lock up great each way value.