Latest news with #ChampionSprinter
IOL News
20 hours ago
- Entertainment
- IOL News
The Real Prince claims victory in gripping Hollywoodbets Durban July main race
The Real Prince narrowly got the better of race favourite Eight On Eighteen to win the Hollywoodbets Durban July Image: Candiese Lenferna | Race Coast The 2025 Hollywoodbets Durban July at Greyville was marked by a breathtaking finish, culminating in a hard-fought victory for The Real Prince. Ridden by Craig Zackey and trained by Dean Kannemeyer, The Real Prince triumphantly crossed the line ahead of strong challenger Eight On Eighteen, who had aimed to etch his name into the history books as the first three-year-old to win both the Gr1 WSB Cape Met and the Durban July in the same season. As the race unfolded, anticipation mixed with tension – especially for fans familiar with The Real Prince's heritage. His full brother, Gimme A Prince, was named Champion Sprinter just two seasons prior. Thus, questions arose regarding whether The Real Prince could sustain the grueling 2200m of the July. Yet, he resolutely answered those doubts during the race, taking on the favourite and prevailing in dramatic style. The early pace was spearheaded by Oriental Charm, with jockey JP van der Merwe judiciously choosing to ease into the race. The tempo was measured as van der Merwe held his position, allowing the field to remain tightly bunched. Meanwhile, Richard Fourie, aboard Eight On Eighteen, found himself shuffling through the pack, unable to achieve the preferred inside rail position. As the runners rounded the final turn, the competition intensified. Fourie made his move around the turn, surging ahead after clearing the subway, seemingly setting himself up for a victory. However, with Zackey maintaining a perfect position close to the rail, The Real Prince suddenly emerged as a formidable threat, gradually advancing on the outside with relentless stride. With the finish line in sight, the race lived up to its reputational grandeur, as both competitors appeared neck-and-neck. In an electrifying culmination, The Real Prince nudged ahead, securing his place as the undisputed champion, marking famed trainer Dean Kannemeyer's fourth win in the Durban July and a second victory for Lady Christine Laidlaw and Khaya Stables.
IOL News
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- IOL News
The Real Prince is king of the Hollywoodbets Durban July
The Real Prince, ridden by Craig Zackey was crowned king at Hollywoodbets Durban July in Greyville on Saturday. Image: Leon Lestrade / Independent Media In a thrilling duel to the line, The Real Prince was crowned king at Hollywoodbets Greyville yesterday. Ridden by Craig Zackey and trained by Dean Kannemeyer, The Real Prince narrowly got the better of race favourite Eight On Eighteen in the Gr1 R5 million Hollywoodbets Durban July. Third was Selukwe with Royal Victory finishing strongly for fourth. The Real Prince's full brother Gimme A Prince was crowned Champion Sprinter two season's back so there was always a question mark hanging over his ability to stay the 2200m trip of the July. That was answered in no uncertain manner as The Real Prince fought off Eight On Eighteen who was attempting to become the first three-year-old to win the Gr1 WSB Cape Met and the July in the same season. As expected, Oriental Charm set the early pace but JP van der Merwe was in no great hurry, stacking the field up behind him. Richard Fourie angled Eight On Eighteen in from his 11 draw but was not able to get anywhere near the rail in the early exchanges. With the pace pedestrian, Fourie made a dash around the final turn hitting the front shortly after crossing the subway and going clear. 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 ✕ Ad loading The Real Prince narrowly got the better of race favourite Eight On Eighteen in the Gr1 R5 million Hollywoodbets Durban July. Image: Leon Lestrade / Independent Media It looked to be a winning move until The Real Prince loomed up on his outside. Zackey had given his mount a copy book ride, cosey on the rail and keeping Eight On Eighteen in his sights. As Fourie went for broke, Zackey got a clear path and gradually reeled in his rival. It was a nod of the heads at the line but Kannemeyer had his fourth July winner in the bag and his second for Lady Christine Laidlaw and Khaya Stables. It was a plan come together said Kannemeyer speaking in the third person. '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. If we run him in the Gold Challenge and run fourth the handicapper is going to be looking for you. You have to come in at the right time with the right weight and we got the right draw.' SUNDAY TRIBUNE
