The anticipation is sky-high as the 129th edition of the Hollywoodbets Durban July gallops closer.

Taking place at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Saturday, 5 July, this isn’t just South Africa’s richest horse race—it’s a celebration of legacy, drama, and top-tier competition.

This year’s Grade 1, 2,200-meter spectacle will start at 4:00 PM, and the lineup of trainers and horses promises a thrilling run from start to finish.

All Eyes on Snaith’s Star Colt and His Trio of Entrants

Top Cape Town trainer Justin Snaith has brought out the big guns with three contenders in the race, including the much-talked-about favourite, Eight On Eighteen.

After weeks of speculation, Snaith finally confirmed that his standout colt would run—even with the hefty 57kg top weight on his back, the most for a three-year-old since 2016.

Alongside Eight On Eighteen, Snaith will also be represented by Okavango, drawn in stall 13, and Native Ruler, who faces a challenge from the widest draw at 18.

Crawford’s Comeback Carries Sentimental Weight

James Crawford is stepping into the spotlight this year with two entries: defending champion Oriental Charm, drawn on the coveted pole position, and Pomodoro’s Jet, sitting in draw eight.

This year’s race will carry extra emotion for Crawford, who recently took the reins from his father Brett Crawford, now based in Hong Kong.

A win would not only mark a personal triumph for James but also a powerful passing-of-the-torch moment.

The Star-Studded Final Field Unveiled

The final field of 18 runners was met with a buzz of excitement, especially when Graeme Hawkins confirmed Eight On Eighteen would be part of it.

That sigh of relief came from a crowd who knew the race wouldn’t be the same without him.

The colt could make history by becoming the first horse ever to win both the Cape Town Met and Durban July in the same year—a feat that would elevate him to legendary status.

Heavy Hitters and Rising Stars Fill the Line-Up

The rest of the card is no less exciting.

Familiar names and fresh faces are all in the mix:

See It Again, owned by Nick Jonsson (who also co-owns Eight On Eighteen), is back for his third try after finishing second and fifth in the past two Julys. He starts from gate 15.
Gladatorian, trained by Stuart Ferrie, is entering his first July after placing well in the Gold Challenge but has a tough draw in 16.
The Real Prince, under Dean Kannemeyer, drew a handy gate five—Kannemeyer’s no stranger to victory here, having won with Dynasty, Eyeofthetiger, and Power King.
Royal Victory, trained by Nathan Kotzen, comes in from gate 17 with big wins already under his belt, including the Betway Summer Cup and Champion Challenge.

A First Time for Some, But a Challenge for All

The field also includes newcomers like Confederate, trained by Fabian Habib, who enters with a strong record—four wins and never finishing outside the top two.

He’ll be partnered with Warren Kennedy, a dual South African champion jockey now based in New Zealand.

Then there’s Immediate Edge, carrying the lightest weight of any three-year-old male at 53kg.

Trained by Mike de Kock and his son Mathew, this Grade 3 Jubilee Stakes winner drew stall 10 and looks primed to challenge.

Strong Eastern Cape and Local Representation

A few trainers are proudly representing their regions:

Alan Greeff, flying the Eastern Cape flag, sends out My Best Shot from stall nine.
Frank Robinson will saddle Madison Valley, who drew two and is owned by local supporter Sid Moodley.
Candice Bass-Robinson has the only filly in the race—Rainbow Lorikeet, drawn in seven.
Alec Laird’s charge, Atticus Finch, starts from gate four and has Grade 1 credentials.
Andre Nel’s Selukwe will break from gate six with Serino Moodley on board.

Barrier Draw Drama Adds to the Spectacle

As always, the barrier draw plays a crucial role in determining each horse’s race strategy.

Eight On Eighteen’s draw of 11 is considered solid for a favourite, while top contenders like See It Again and Royal Victory face uphill battles from wider positions.

A Race Steeped in History and Emotion

For context, Justin Snaith is chasing his sixth career Durban July win, which would tie him with Mike de Kock, both trailing only legends like Terence Millard and Sydney Laird.

De Kock, for his part, will be hoping that Immediate Edge puts him back in the winner’s enclosure alongside his son.

The Final Word Before the Big Day

With the field set and the narratives already compelling, the countdown is officially on.

Will Eight On Eighteen make history? Can James Crawford repeat his father’s magic? Or will a dark horse from a lesser-fancied draw cause an upset?

One thing’s certain—the 2025 Durban July promises high drama, emotional stories, and possibly a race for the ages.