Thoroughbreds, high fashion and thrilling trackside energy. There’s nothing quite like the Durban July.
The waiting is over. After months of anticipation, the 130th running of the Hollywoodbets Durban July takes centre stage at Greyville on Saturday, with a record R10m purse on offer and no shortage of contenders capable of claiming South Africa's greatest horseracing prize.
Much of the attention has turned to Justin Snaith's Regulation, whose preparations have been hampered by awkward draws and traffic problems in recent starts. Those setbacks may finally be behind him after drawing barrier two, giving Australian jockey Zac Lloyd every opportunity to produce the colt's trademark finishing burst.
Snaith, a five-time Durban July-winning trainer, also saddles fellow leading hopes Wish List and Legal Counsel, underlining the strength of the Cape powerhouse's challenge. Wish List, a dual Grade 1 winner, has landed another favourable draw in barrier seven and arrives in excellent form.
Victory would also see veteran Andrew Fortune, at 59, become the oldest jockey of the modern era to win the Durban July.
