Glamour at the Gallops: Fashion and fast horses heat up the Durban July preview
Image: Graham Daniel / Gameplan Media
The runway met the racetrack on Thursday morning when punters and fashionistas enjoyed a preview of next weekend's action at the official Hollywoodbets Durban July Gallops.
Watched by a large crowd, thoroughbreds selected for the main race on July 5 were put through their paces at the Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse, while outside the rails it was a riot of colour, culture, and creativity as designers brought the official theme, 'Marvels of Mzansi,' to life.
South Africa's vibrant soul was stitched into every seam with flair and fierce pride. From vivid interpretations of our landscapes and legends, to haute couture tributes to tradition and township flavour, the preview left onlookers excited for what's to come.
On show at the gallops were nine powerhouse creatives from the Hollywoodbets Durban July DFF Rising Stars Collection; and all ten finalists in the Hollywoodbets Durban July Young Designer Award presented by Durban Fashion Fair. Each was a design that turned heads and stirred hearts.
Inside the rails, the overwhelming favourite for the 2025 R5-million Hollywoodbets Durban July, Eight On Eighteen, was put through his paces and appeared in the pink of condition. With big-race rider Richard Fourie in the irons, Eight On Eighteen went from the 1600m with stable companion Makazole and was held together by Fourie, doing no more than easy pace work. He reached the winning post with ears pricked and appeared to enjoy his effortless Thursday morning workout.
On the other hand, Gladatorian was called on by jockey Sean Veale to fully extend and his 400m to finish time of 22,85 seconds rounded off an impressive gallop. Trainer Stuart Ferrie has Gladatorian in a very good space and the only question mark that now remains, is will he see out the 2200m trip?
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Madison Valley has no such stamina doubts and turned in one of the more eye-catching gallops when working under Gavin Lerena with stable companion Shoot The Rapids. Selukwe also produced a pleasing workout, going solo from the 1200m and the son of former 'July' winner, Pomodoro, is clearly very fit.
Sadly, See It Again did not gallop as he was found to have a slightly elevated temperature, but he presented beautifully in the parade ring. Four times 'July' winning jockey, Anthony Delpech, was particularly taken by On My Honour's piece of work and believes that Glen Kotzen's charge could be the best long-shot in the race.
Nokhanya Dlamini, in a Eulender Cele outfit, gets treated to a ride from rickshaw operator Vukile Gazu at the official Hollywoodbets Durban July Gallops
Image: Graham Daniel / Gameplan Media
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IOL News
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Get ready for the Hollywoodbets Durban July 2025: A celebration of South African culture
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IOL News
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Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Speaking to IOL Lifestyle, Masango gave a glimpse of working with the celebrities, to execute their visions for the Marvels of Mzansi theme. He candidly expressed how working with each celebrity has been an absolute joy, from the very first brief. 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This year's theme, 'Marvels of Mzansi,' sets the stage for a vibrant celebration of South Africa's cultural richness and breathtaking landscapes. Inviting attendees to dive deep into the soul of the country and express its marvels through bold, creative fashion. 'Mzansi is a treasure trove; its landscapes, textures, ancestral motifs,' says Masango. For one of his muses, he has channelled nomadic soil hues and abstract macrame embroidery; for another it was the vibrant Ndebele print reimagined into futuristic tailoring. 'My approach is always two-fold: anchor the design in an instantly recognisable South African marvel, then twist it to reflect that client's personal flair, be it avant-garde drama or quiet elegance.' Creating looks for his clients for HollywoodBets Durban July began three months ago, which he says in fashion time feels like just enough space to dream big without losing momentum. 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As the Hollywoodbets Durban July draws closer, all eyes will be on the stars Masango has dressed. Whether they land on the best- or worst-dressed lists will be up to Mzansi's fashion police, but one thing's certain: every look will have a story worth telling. IOL Lifestyle
The Citizen
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