Meet the Runners: Durban July 2026
The countdown is almost over for the 130th running of the Hollywoodbets Durban July, South Africa’s most prestigious horse race.
A capacity field of 18 runners, plus two reserves, will line up over 2200m at Greyville Racecourse on Saturday, 4 July. With millions in prize money on offer and many of the country’s leading trainers, jockeys and equine stars represented, the 2026 renewal promises to be one of the most competitive editions in recent years.
From proven Grade 1 performers to exciting three-year-olds and genuine each-way contenders, here’s our complete guide to every runner.
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1. ISIVIVANE (52kg)
Trainer: Peter Muscutt
Jockey: Sean Veale
Isivivane earned his place with an impressive victory in the Greyville World Sports Betting 1900 and returns to the same track with conditions once again in his favour. Drawn well and carrying a light weight, he has every chance of reproducing that effort.
Whether he possesses the class required to win South Africa’s biggest race remains open to debate, but he is remarkably consistent and should give another honest account of himself. A solid inclusion for exotic bets.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3/5)
2. REGULATION (52kg)
Trainer: Justin Snaith
Regulation looked a genuine July contender after finishing second in the Greyville WSB 1900, but his disappointing Cup Trial performance raised plenty of questions. Nothing obvious emerged following veterinary checks, leaving punters to decide whether that run was simply below par.
He represents one of the country’s leading stables, but recent form leaves him with something to prove.
Rating: ⭐⭐☆☆☆ (2/5)
3. THE ULTIMATE KING (56.5kg)
Trainer: Tony Peter
Jockey: Kabelo Matsunyane
Few horses arrive with a more reliable profile. The Ultimate King consistently performs in top company and has already shown he can mix it with elite opposition in major races.
His weight turnaround with several key rivals gives him genuine claims and he has the experience required for a race of this nature. A serious place contender capable of finishing even closer.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
4. STAR MAJOR (56.5kg)
Trainer: James Crawford
Jockey: Mickaëlle Michel
The standout three-year-old in this year’s field.
Victories in both the World Sports Betting Guineas and the Grade 1 Daily News 2000 confirmed Star Major as one of South Africa’s brightest talents. He showed an exceptional turn of foot in his latest success and gave every indication that the step up in distance would suit perfectly.
He handles Greyville, continues to improve and rightly heads the betting.
The horse they all have to beat.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
5. LEGAL COUNSEL (62kg)
Trainer: Justin Snaith
Jockey: Callan Murray
One of the classiest horses in the race, Legal Counsel has repeatedly delivered at the highest level.
However, conceding weight to the entire field over 2200m is a significant challenge. His quality alone should keep him competitive, but the combination of distance and top weight could leave him vulnerable in the closing stages.
A place is certainly within reach.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
6. HAZY DAZY (54.5kg)
Trainer: Corne Spies
Jockey: Trent Mayhew
A Grade 1-winning filly with plenty of ability, but most of her best performances have come against her own sex.
She’ll need to improve considerably against stronger opposition and her recent form suggests she’ll find this assignment demanding.
Rating: ⭐⭐☆☆☆ (2/5)
7. WISH LIST (54.5kg)
Trainer: Justin Snaith
Jockey: Andrew Fortune
Wish List has established herself as one of the country’s leading fillies and has already shown she can defeat male opposition.
Her victories at Greyville demonstrate that she enjoys this circuit, while her consistency at the highest level makes her one of the strongest contenders.
She may struggle to reverse form with Star Major, but she should be fighting out the finish.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.5/5)
8. GLADIATORIAN (61.5kg)
Trainer: Stuart Ferrie
Jockey: Muzi Yeni
An accomplished Grade 1 performer with an outstanding career record.
Recent efforts suggest he remains in excellent condition, although his previous Durban July attempt and stamina concerns over this trip temper enthusiasm.
His class could carry him into the placings but winning looks a tougher assignment.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3.5/5)
9. VIVA’S LIBERTE (53kg)
Trainer: Candice Bass
Jockey: Craig Zackey
Perhaps the value runner of the race.
Weight adjustments from previous meetings with several leading contenders make Viva’s Liberte particularly interesting, and he has continued to improve with experience.
Lightly raced, attractively weighted and partnered by Craig Zackey, he could easily outperform his odds.
One for each-way players.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
10. NATIVE RULER
Trainer: Justin Snaith
Jockey: Keagan de Melo
His victory over 2400m at Greyville proves stamina won’t be an issue, and he should appreciate every metre of this contest.
While he may lack the brilliance of some rivals, he shapes as a horse capable of running into the first four if the race unfolds in his favour.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3/5)
11. NOTE TO SELF (55kg)
Trainer: Justin Snaith
Jockey: Richard Fourie
One of the more talked-about runners heading into the race.
He possesses plenty of ability but has occasionally found Greyville’s short home straight against him, often leaving himself with too much to do.
Richard Fourie is a major booking and if the pace is genuine, he’ll be charging late.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
12. ZEITZ (53kg)
Trainer: Andre Nel
Jockey: Serino Moodley
Zeitz booked his July berth with an eye-catching Cup Trial victory and has developed into a genuine contender.
His racing style suggests the wide draw shouldn’t prove disastrous and his record at Greyville commands respect.
Another with strong place credentials.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
13. MOCHA BLEND (56.5kg)
Trainer: Frank Robinson
Jockey: Tristan Godden
The Summer Cup winner has been carefully prepared with this race as the primary target.
Connections are quietly confident and there is no questioning her ability, although she still has to prove herself around Greyville.
A fascinating outsider with genuine upset potential.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
14. I SALUTE YOU (54.5kg)
Trainer: Peter Muscutt
Jockey: Mark du Plessis
A consistent performer who rarely runs a poor race.
Recent form ties him closely to Zeitz and Regulation, suggesting another competitive performance is on the cards.
More likely to place than win.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3/5)
15. OLIVIA’S WAY (55kg)
Trainer: Roy Magner
Jockey: JP van der Merwe
A remarkably consistent mare who usually gives supporters a run for their money.
Her lack of Greyville experience is an unknown, but she has enough talent to feature if everything falls into place.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3/5)
16. MINOGUE (56kg)
Trainer: Candice & Tammy Dawson
Jockey: Gavin Lerena
Produced a career-best effort behind Wish List last time out, but the overall strength of that form line leaves room for doubt.
She’ll need another significant step forward to trouble the leading fancies.
Rating: ⭐⭐☆☆☆ (2.5/5)
17. KING PELLES (59kg)
Trainer: Gareth van Zyl
Jockey: Chad Scofield
A proven stayer whose best form has come over longer trips.
The distance may prove slightly sharp against this calibre of opposition, although his toughness could still earn him a respectable finish.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3/5)
18. ALADDIN’S LAMP (53kg)
Trainer: Mike & Mathew de Kock
Jockey: Calvin Habib
An intriguing runner after an encouraging first start for the De Kock stable.
Blinkers appeared to unlock further improvement and the low weight is another positive.
The widest draw makes life difficult, but he cannot be dismissed completely.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
Reserves
19. CHOISAANADA (58.5kg)
Needs a late scratching to gain a start and would face a difficult task if making the field.
Rating: ⭐⭐☆☆☆ (2/5)
20. CURIOUS GIRL (52kg)
A lightly weighted reserve with ability, but unlikely to feature unless gaining a fortunate run into the race.
Rating: ⭐⭐☆☆☆ (2/5)
World Sports Betting Verdict
The 2026 Durban July looks set to revolve around the exceptional Star Major, whose recent performances suggest he could be a genuine superstar in the making.
Wish List rates as the biggest danger after proving herself against the boys, while The Ultimate King and Viva’s Liberte appeal as excellent value for the placings.
⭐ Top Selections
🥇 1st: Star Major
🥈 2nd: Wish List
🥉 3rd: The Ultimate King
🏅 4th: Viva’s Liberte
Best Bet: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Star Major
Value Bet: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Viva’s Liberte
Best Quartet: 4, 7, 3, 9
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