Hollywoodbets Durban July Final Field 2025
Everything you need to know about the 2025 Hollywoodbets Durban July including final field betting, event news and more! The stage is officially set for Africa’s greatest horse racing spectacle. On 24 June 2025, racing fans across the country received what they had been waiting for. The final field announcement for the 129th running of the Hollywoodbets Durban July.
The theme this year, Marvels of Mzansi, is a fitting tribute to the cultural diversity, rich heritage and natural beauty that define South Africa. And just as importantly, the final field reflects the extraordinary calibre of competition set to unfold at Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse on Saturday, 5 July. The Grade 1 race, carrying a massive R5 million purse, will feature 18 starters and two reserves. With a mix of past champions, emerging stars, and seasoned contenders, anticipation is building like never before.
Favourite Faces Off with a Champion
At the top of the bookmakers’ boards is EIGHT ON EIGHTEEN, the Snaith-trained sensation who will jump from gate 11 with Richard Fourie aboard. This highly rated three-year-old enters as the 14/10 favourite and is expected to be a major force on race day. With a string of impressive runs leading up to the Durban July, he carries 57kg into the race and aims to write his name into the history books.
Not far behind in both odds and pedigree is the defending champion ORIENTAL CHARM, who makes his return to the Greyville turf under jockey JP van der Merwe. Starting from barrier 1, this Justin Crawford-trained horse will carry top weight of 60kg and looks to repeat last year’s heroics.
Meanwhile, SEE IT AGAIN, trained by Michael Roberts, is back for another tilt at the HDJ crown. Carrying 60kg and drawn wide at gate 15, this seasoned campaigner cannot be discounted. His experience could prove invaluable in a race that always produces drama.
- Great, competitive odds
- Generous, regular promotions
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Standout Contenders and Each-Way Value
Looking beyond the leading trio, there is no shortage of class in this year’s final field. IMMEDIATE EDGE, trained by the De Kock team and partnered with Craig Murray, is tipped at 7/1 and enters as a real danger carrying just 53kg. With strong recent form, you would expect him well supported by the punters.
Another exciting contender is THE REAL PRINCE, who comes in at 14/1 under Craig Zackey. This colt has steadily improved over the past few months and starts from a favourable draw at gate 5. Then there’s GLADATORIAN, who despite his wide draw (16) and hefty weight (60kg), brings a warrior’s heart to the race and is priced at 16/1.
Among the dark horses, SELUKWE, ROYAL VICTORY, and OKAVANGO all present as potential spoilers. Each price between 16/1 and 20/1 and could well feature in the top four if things fall their way.
- Great, competitive odds
- Generous, regular promotions
- Live In-Play, BetGames, Lucky Numbers
Full HDJ Final Field: Odds & Runners
Furthermore, below is the complete final field for the 2025 Hollywoodbets Durban July:
| Horse | Odds | Weight | Jockey | Trainer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EIGHT ON EIGHTEEN (11) | 14/10 | 57.0kg | R Fourie | J Snaith |
| ORIENTAL CHARM (1) | 11/2 | 60.0kg | JP van der Merwe | J Crawford |
| IMMEDIATE EDGE (10) | 7/1 | 53.0kg | C Murray | M/M de Kock |
| SEE IT AGAIN (15) | 25/2 | 60.0kg | R Danielson | M Roberts |
| THE REAL PRINCE (5) | 14/1 | 56.5kg | C Zackey | D Kannemeyer |
| GLADATORIAN (16) | 16/1 | 60.0kg | S Veale | S Ferrie |
| SELUKWE (6) | 16/1 | 54.0kg | S Moodley | A Nel |
| ROYAL VICTORY (17) | 20/1 | 59.0kg | M Yeni | N Kotzen |
| OKAVANGO (13) | 20/1 | 54.5kg | A Fortune | J Snaith |
| ATTICUS FINCH (4) | 25/1 | 57.0kg | C Habib | A Laird |
| CONFEDERATE (14) | 25/1 | 53.5kg | W Kennedy | F Habib |
| NATIVE RULER (18) | 33/1 | 54.0kg | T Godden | J Snaith |
| MADISON VALLEY (2) | 33/1 | 54.0kg | G Lerena | F Robinson |
| MY BEST SHOT (9) | 33/1 | 53.0kg | C Maujean | A Greeff |
| ON MY HONOUR (3) | 33/1 | 53.0kg | S Khumalo | G Kotzen |
| PURPLE PITCHER (12) | 50/1 | 57.5kg | K Matsunyane | R Klaasen |
| POMODORO’S JET (8) | 50/1 | 55.5kg | A Mgudlwa | J Crawford |
| RAINBOW LORIKEET (7) | 50/1 | 53.0kg | D De Gouveia | C Bass-Robinson |
Reserves:
- LITIGATION (19) – S Tarry
- SON OF RAJ (20) – T Peter
Recent Winners & Historical Trends
Every year, punters pore over the Durban July final field in search of patterns and trends and 2025 is no different. With the Hollywoodbets Durban July final field now confirmed, attention turns to past champions for clues.
Looking back, a clear trend has emerged: class horses trained by elite stables tend to rise to the occasion, especially those carrying competitive weights and drawn well. For example, in 2024, Oriental Charm won from gate 3, proving once again that inside draws offer a tactical edge.
Here’s a snapshot of the final field Durban July winners over the past five years:
- 2024 – ORIENTAL CHARM (Trainer: Justin Crawford, Jockey: JP van der Merwe)
- 2023 – WINCHESTER MANSION (Trainer: Brett Crawford, Jockey: Kabelo Matsunyane)
- 2022 – SPARKLING WATER (Trainer: Mike de Kock, Jockey: S’manga Khumalo)
- 2021 – KOMMETDIEDING (Trainer: Harold Crawford, Jockey: Gavin Lerena)
- 2020 – BELGARION (Trainer: Justin Snaith, Jockey: Richard Fourie)
This year’s Hollywoodbets Durban July final field 2025 reflects a blend of past experience and new blood, but one constant remains. Trainer Justin Snaith is always in the mix. With three winners in the last six years, his stables are a vital part of any serious punter’s analysis.
- Great, competitive odds
- Generous, regular promotions
- Live In-Play, BetGames, Lucky Numbers
HDJ Trainer & Jockey Spotlight
Now that the Hollywoodbets final field has been declared, all eyes are on the horsemen who could shape the outcome of the 2025 edition. The Durban July final field includes runners from nearly all of South Africa’s top stables, but a few names stand out.
Justin Snaith returns with an arsenal of contenders, headlined by the red-hot favourite Eight on Eighteen. Alongside him are Okavango and Native Ruler, giving the Cape trainer multiple shots at another Greyville triumph. His record in the Hollywoodbets Durban July final field speaks volumes! He knows how to condition horses for this exact test.
Mike de Kock, another giant of the game, brings Immediate Edge to the party. With decades of experience and multiple Grade 1 wins to his name, De Kock is no stranger to Durban July glory. His entry could upset even the most confident favourites.
On the jockey side, Richard Fourie (riding Eight on Eighteen) will carry the punters’ hopes. He’s a master tactician who’s no stranger to Grade 1 success. Meanwhile, JP van der Merwe, fresh off a win in 2024, will partner Oriental Charm again and seek back-to-back victories. A rare feat in the modern era!
Veterans like S’manga Khumalo and Craig Zackey round out the list, each with serious rides and strong track records at Greyville. Their presence in the Hollywoodbets Durban July final field reinforces just how competitive this year’s race will be.
A Marvel of Mzansi: This Year’s Theme
This year’s theme, Marvels of Mzansi, is a heartfelt tribute to the spirit of South Africa. Expect to see a spectacular showcase of fashion, culture, and creativity both on and off the track. Racegoers are encouraged to dress in looks inspired by the country’s landscapes, icons, and artistic heritage.
As always, the Durban July is not just a horse race, it’s a national event that unites Mzansi. From celebrity appearances and live music to gourmet food and champagne gardens, Greyville Racecourse will buzz with energy come 5 July.
- Great, competitive odds
- Generous, regular promotions
- Live In-Play, BetGames, Lucky Numbers
A Fun Fact About the Durban July
Here’s a fun piece of trivia: The Durban July is the oldest and most prestigious horse race in South Africa, with its first edition run way back in 1897. Interestingly, it was originally a mile-long race exclusively for three-year-old horses. Over time, it has evolved into a weight-for-age event with handicap conditions and now allows older horses to compete. Thus adding even more layers of strategy and excitement!
Get Involved with the Final Field
For punters eager to take part in the action, Hollywoodbets has full betting markets available, including fixed-odds, each-way, and exotic bets. Tickets to the event are still available through official channels, with hospitality options selling fast.
Whether you’re dressing up for a trackside experience or watching from home, the 2025 Hollywoodbets Durban July promises to be an unforgettable celebration of racing and culture.
