Meet the Contenders: The 129th Durban July
The stage is set for South Africa’s most prestigious horse race, the 2025 Hollywoodbets Durban July, and this year’s line-up is packed with elite talent, returning champions, and exciting up-and-comers. With a record prize pot and millions watching around the world, these 18 runners are ready to make history.
1. Oriental Charm
Trainer: James Crawford • Jockey: JP van der Merwe • Weight: 60kg • Draw: 1
The reigning champion returns and looks every bit as dangerous. A Grade 2 winner and twice a Grade 1 runner up since last July, Oriental Charm thrives on the pace and will love the inside gate. Can lightning strike twice?
Form: 14 runs – 5 wins – 4 places • Earnings: R5,170,625
2. Madison Valley
Trainer: Frank Robinson • Jockey: Gavin Lerena • Weight: 54kg
Scrapped into the field with a gutsy Cup Trial win. Inconsistent form, but a proven big-field runner with the right man aboard. Dark horse for exotics.
Form: 19 runs – 5 wins – 5 places • Earnings: R942,125
3. On My Honour
Trainer: Glen Kotzen • Jockey: S’manga Khumalo • Weight: 53kg
A lightly raced three-year-old with a big heart. Has shown enough at Greyville to suggest he can be competitive. Class rider in Khumalo is a major plus.
Form: 8 runs – 3 wins – 3 places • Earnings: R386,187
4. Atticus Finch
Trainer: Alec Laird • Jockey: Calvin Habib • Weight: 57kg
Summer Cup hero with staying power and class. Prep run was solid, and he’s a grinder. Big effort needed but not ruled out.
Form: 23 runs – 6 wins – 9 places • Earnings: R4,360,750
5. The Real Prince
Trainer: Dean Kannemeyer • Jockey: Craig Zackey • Weight: 56.5kg
Progressive and full of potential, but stamina over 2200m is the big unknown. If he stays, he could shake things up.
Form: 9 runs – 4 wins – 2 places • Earnings: R461,093
6. Selukwe
Trainer: Andre Nel • Jockey: Serino Moodley • Weight: 54kg
A runaway winner of the World Sports Betting 1900, but faces a serious class hike. Unexposed and untested – a wildcard with upside.
Form: 23 runs – 6 wins – 10 places • Earnings: R838,275
7. Rainbow Lorikeet
Trainer: Candice Bass-Robinson • Jockey: Diego de Gouveia • Weight: 53kg
The only filly in the race. Tough and talented, but up against colts of the highest calibre. Big task ahead.
Form: 20 runs – 6 wins – 9 places • Earnings: R842,400
8. Pomodoro’s Jet
Trainer: James Crawford • Jockey: Athandiwe Mgudlwa • Weight: 55kg
Cheekpieces have transformed him into a winning machine, but can he stay the trip? If so, he could cause a stir.
Form: 21 runs – 8 wins – 8 places • Earnings: R1,080,825
9. My Best Shot
Trainer: Alan Greeff • Jockey: Chase Maujean • Weight: 53kg
Eastern Cape raider on a hot streak. Massive class jump, but not without a chance. Could outrun his odds.
Form: 16 runs – 10 wins – 5 places • Earnings: R914,600
10. Immediate Edge
Trainer: Mike/Mathew de Kock • Jockey: Callan Murray • Weight: 53kg
Unbeaten since gelding and oozing potential. Trainer rates him highly and he could be the big improver.
Form: 6 runs – 4 wins – 1 place • Earnings: R474,062
11. Eight on Eighteen
Trainer: Justin Snaith • Jockey: Richard Fourie • Weight: 57kg • Draw: 11
Triple Grade 1 winner and World Sports Betting Cape Town Met superstar. Form, class, course – he ticks every box. The one to beat.
Form: 10 runs – 5 wins – 5 places • Earnings: R6,030,212
12. Purple Pitcher
Trainer: Robyn Klaasen • Jockey: Kabelo Matsunyane • Weight: 57.5kg
Front-runner with big race experience, but hasn’t won in over a year. Blinkers go back on – expect him to lead.
Form: 24 runs – 7 wins – 8 places • Earnings: R4,153,750
13. Okavango
Trainer: Justin Snaith • Jockey: Andrew Fortune • Weight: 54.5kg
Handles Greyville well, but has some ground to make up on form. Faces a tough task on paper.
Form: 9 runs – 3 wins – 4 places • Earnings: R459,800
14. Confederate
Trainer: Fabian Habib • Jockey: Warren Kennedy • Weight: 53.5kg
SA Classic winner with untapped potential. Quiet prep but strong credentials. Could surprise with the right run.
Form: 9 runs – 4 wins – 5 places • Earnings: R1,289,625
SEE IT AGAIN- NOW SCRATCHED
Trainer: Michael Roberts • Jockey: Raymond Danielson • Weight: 60kg
Runner-up in 2023 and unlucky last year. Form is patchy, but raw ability is there. Capable of a big performance.
Form: 25 runs – 7 wins – 11 places • Earnings: R5,221,875
16. Gladatorian
Trainer: Stuart Ferrie • Jockey: Sean Veale • Weight: 60kg
Tough, classy, and consistent, but unproven beyond 1750m. Will need luck in running from wide.
Form: 25 runs – 9 wins – 10 places • Earnings: R1,961,650
17. Royal Victory
Trainer: Nathan Kotzen • Jockey: Muzi Yeni • Weight: 59kg
Third last year and just behind the top dogs since. Well weighted this time and could deliver with a clean run.
Form: 26 runs – 5 wins – 14 places • Earnings: R5,877,900
18. Native Ruler
Trainer: Justin Snaith • Jockey: Tristan Godden • Weight: 54kg
Massive ask for this lightly raced type who is outclassed on paper. Needs to find more to compete.
Form: 8 runs – 1 win – 5 places • Earnings: R301,912
Reserves:
19. LITIGATION – NOW A RUNNER
Ran respectably behind Madison Valley last time out, but appears unlikely to be a major factor if making the final field.
Career Record: 39 starts – 8 wins, 11 placings. Earnings: R1,325,687
20. Son of Raj
The 2025 Durban July is shaping up to be one for the ages. Who will rise, who will falter, and who will carve their name into the turf at Greyville?
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