PICTURES: Durban July a colourful affair as The Real Prince takes the win
Jockey Craig Zackey celebrates with The Real Prince after winning the Hollywoodbets Durban July at Greyville Racecourse on July 05, 2025 in Durban, South Africa. (Photo by Darren Stewart/Gallo Images)
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IOL News
3 hours ago
- IOL News
Dean Kannemeyer's master plan steered The Real Prince to stunning Durban July victory
The Real Prince, ridden by Craig Zackey, was crowned king at Hollywoodbets Durban July in Greyville on Saturday. Photo: Leon Lestrade Independent Media Image: Leon Lestrade Independent Media In a thrilling display befitting his majestic name, The Real Prince captured the crown at the 129th running of the Hollywoodbets Durban July on Saturday at Greyville. The 18/1 shot delivered a performance that will be remembered for years to come and propelled master trainer Dean Kannemeyer to his fourth victory in South Africa's premier horse race. In front of an electric crowd at Greyville, the son of Gimmethegreenlight edged out race favourite Eight On Eighteen in a heart-stopping finish. After the race, Kannemeyer reflected on the strategy with a flicker of pride. 'You must come in at the right time with the right weight and the right draw — and we nailed it. This was always the plan.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. 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 ✕ With a precisely executed strategy, The Real Prince surged ahead when it mattered most, overcoming a late charge from Eight On Eighteen to clinch the title. The finish left the crowd on the edge of their seats. The runner-up, trained by Justin Snaith, showcased fierce determination despite the narrow loss. A three-time Grade 1 winner, Eight On Eighteen had hoped to become the first three-year-old to win both the WSB Cape Met and the Durban July in the same season. Only five horses have achieved this prestigious double: Kommetdieding (2022), Igugu (2012), Pocket Power (2009), London News (1997), and Politician (1979). Winning jockey Craig Zackey was beaming as he reflected on his maiden Durban July triumph. 'It's incredible,' he exclaimed, giving credit to The Real Prince's class. 'I think if he had one run in between, he would have won a bit more comfortably, but there were no races that suited him, and we couldn't afford the penalty.' There had been concerns that The Real Prince might be under-raced for Saturday's showpiece, but strategic preparation proved key. 'Where were we going to place him? "The first time we tried him over a mile, he won by six lengths. Great run in the Drill Hall,' Kannemeyer added. 'If we ran him in the Gold Challenge and he came fourth, the handicapper is going to be looking for you. You must come in at the right time with the right weight — and we got the right draw.' The Real Prince propels trainer Dean Kannemeyer to his 4th @HWBDurbanJuly victory. The Real Prince proudly represented his lineage, outperforming Eight On Eighteen & honouring his family. An impeccable ride by jockey Craig Zackey. Congratulations to Khaya Stables. — Dean Kannemeyer Racing (@RaceKannemeyer) July 5, 2025
IOL News
4 hours ago
- IOL News
WATCH: Mihlali Ndamase steals the show at the Durban July as celebs show us they are the ‘Marvels of Mzansi'
Mihlali Ndamase stole the spotlight at the 2025 Hollywoodbets Durban July, arriving in a Masango-designed afro-futuristic metallic Ndebele-print gown that fused bold structure with deep cultural symbolism. Social media erupted with praise for her outfit, her hair and makeup, with most crowning her as the unofficial star of the show. Fans praised how her ancestral chevrons and mining-shaft pleats evoked Johannesburg's golden heritage, celebrating local haute couture at its most intellectually daring. The IOL and Independent Newspaper lifestyle teams were on the ground to chat, film and interact with the stars. Watch our comprehensive 35 minute celebs video, which features the likes of Mihlali, Jessica Nkosi, Boity, Carol Ofori, Nomvelo Makhanya, Kwesta, Jub Jub, DJ Sbu, DJ Tira, Laduma Ngxokolo and many others. And do subscribe to the IOL YouTube channel.
The Citizen
5 hours ago
- The Citizen
Proud Italy hail their ‘grenade squad', defence against Boks
Italy's coach and captain said they were very proud of their team's performance while good-humouredly poked fun at the Springbok 'bomb squad' and praised their own. Italy were proud of their performance against the Springboks. Picture: Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images Tenth-ranked and understrength Italy were all smiles after their relatively narrow defeat against world champions South Africa at Loftus on Saturday. They especially praised their second-half performance and 'grenade squad' from the bench, who turned a 28–3 deficit at the break into a 35–24 deficit, before a 42–24 defeat. Italy had made seven changes to the starting XV after their comprehensive 73–6 victory over Namibia the week before, though several experienced players had already been rested after the Six Nations. Nicolò Cannone also played his first Test as captain. Still, he and coach Gonzalo Quesada told the media they were pleased with the result, while the Springboks and coach Rassie Erasmus said they were frustrated. ALSO READ: 'There is going to be disappointment': Faf and Kriel admit fans expected dominance Italy 'very proud' The Springboks boasted close to 400 more caps than the Italians in their starting line-up, with a host of double World Cup winners in their ranks. But Italy are a team on the up. They finished fifth in the Six Nations but with a scrum win percentage that was better than Ireland's and Scotland's. Since the beginning of last year, they have beaten Wales (twice), Georgia, Japan, Tonga and Scotland, drawing to France and losing to Ireland by five points and England by three. Bok stand-in captain Jesse Kriel was right to warn fans not to write them off. 'I am very happy with our performance,' Cannone said. 'It was a very tough game, a very physical game, but we prepared for this.' The captain said it was not easy playing against the Springboks in South Africa, especially as players they are familiar with in the United Rugby Championship step up their game when they put on a Springbok jersey. 'But we had a good performance. We have to prepare some little things for next week, but we are very proud.' Italy coach hails bench's performance against Springboks Coach Quesada said it was important for his side to show courage in defence with 17 players missing out on the night. 'I am so proud because the Springboks came hard at us and we showed a lot of effort and commitment. I am proud for a huge amount of reasons,' he said. Quesada praised his 'excellent jackals' for winning the breakdown battle. 'Maybe we did not believe enough in ourselves in the first half and did not try the things we prepared. So the players were made aware at half-time that they could do much better.' He good-humouredly poked fun at the Springboks' bomb squad, which was loudly announced over the speakers to huge applause from the near-capacity crowd on the night, by praising his own 'grenade squad' who had a greater impact on the game. 'The way our leaders handled the second half was really critical, and our grenade squad did really well when it came off the bench,' he smiled, as journalists laughed at the quip. 'I am very happy that we did not concede a try from the mauls because that is one of the Springboks' strengths,' he said.
