The 2025 Hollywoodbets Durban July will take place on Saturday, July 5, bringing together 18 of South Africa’s best Grade 1 thoroughbreds to compete for a share of the R5 million prize purse at Greyville Racecourse. This year’s race, themed “Marvel of Mzansi,” promises record betting pools, with Win and Place pools expected to exceed R10 million, an Exacta pool likely to reach R5 million, and a Pick 6 pool projected to surpass R15 million[1].
Eight of Eighteen is the clear favourite for the 2025 Durban July, having posted impressive victories in the Cape Town Met, SplashOut Cape Derby, and the Daily News 2000. Trained by Justin Snaith and ridden by champion jockey Richard Fourie, this three-year-old colt comes into the race with odds of 14/10. Notably, See It Again, previously considered a top contender, has been scratched and replaced by reserve horse Litigation. Other key runners include Oriental Charm, winner of the 2024 Durban July, who is expected to challenge Eight of Eighteen, with odds currently at 11/2[4].
The final field comprises 18 runners, selected to represent the best of South African middle-distance racing. The event is set for 4pm as Race Seven, and organizers expect more than 45,000 attendees, making it a major social and sporting gathering. Alongside the main race, the Durban July features 12 races in total, extensive fashion showcases, music, and a host of entertainment activities[2][3][5].
Promotions and betting incentives are in full swing, including a R20 million punters challenge and generous deposit bonuses from Hollywoodbets leading up to race day[1][3].
References
- [1] Horse Racing: Who will win the Hollywoodbets Durban July 2025? Favourites, form and final field
- [2] Hollywoodbets Durban July ready to dazzle – on and off the course
- [3] The 2025 Hollywoodbets Durban July Full Preview of all 12 Races (Gallop TV)
- [4] Favourites, form and what to expect at the Durban July
- [5] Hollywoodbets Durban July 2025 – Main Race Panel Discussion