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Mail & Guardian
05-07-2025
- Politics
- Mail & Guardian
The Durban July: The good, the bad and the ugly of Africa's grandest gallop
Durban July has become more than just a horse race; it is a mirror of the nation's aspirations, divisions and contradictions. (Supplied) Each year on the first Saturday of July, South Africa's most anticipated sporting and social spectacle gallops into the spotlight — a cultural jamboree known simply as the Durban July. Over time, the event has become more than just a horse race; it is a mirror of the nation's aspirations, divisions and contradictions. At its best, the Durban July is a dazzling display of high fashion, high stakes and high society — a multiracial carnival of couture, culture and class. It injects more than R150 million into the local economy and boosts jobs in fashion, hospitality and entertainment. Rich history resides at this racetrack: from its past to democratic turf, the Greyville Racecourse, framed by the Warwick Triangle, Block AK and Berea, once stood as a symbol of colonial and apartheid exclusion. Born under the shadow of Royal Ascot in the 1920s, the racecourse became a bastion of racial segregation by the 1940s. The city's Indians — many of whom are passionate punters — can today revel in the fact that one of its own, business person Sadha Naidoo, is the chair of Gold Circle Horse Racing and Gambling; he's the chief steward who will present the main race prize to the winning owner and jockey. Yet beneath the glitz and glamour lies a more complex narrative: one of exclusion, excess and inequality. The juxtaposition is jarring — luxury marquees with people sipping champagne stand a few metres from working-class punters lining the fences. The People's Race, as it's sometimes called, still plays out on unequal terrain. The July is also where political theatre occasionally steals the show. In 2009, the infamous 'Zuma Whisky Incident' saw a glass of whisky flung at the then-president Jacob Zuma — a moment of silent protest and defiance at a highly choreographed elite gathering. It was a symbolic rupture, revealing how political tensions can spill into supposedly apolitical spaces. Concerns about safety, exploitation and unruly behaviour persist. From petty theft to gender-based harassment, the dark underbelly of the event often escapes the headlines. Traffic congestion paralyses Durban's inner-city, while residents complain of noise, gridlock, poor policing and the after-party blasts of music. For many locals, the event is more disruption than delight. Yet the heart of the July beats far from the parade ring. It begins at dawn in Summerveld, as the elite racehorses undergo their final gallops — sleek, muscled athletes rehearsing for glory in the misty paddocks of KwaZulu-Natal's misty hill country. Then begins their journey, meticulously choreographed, to Greyville Racecourse, where logistics meet legacy. Greyville comes alive as the equine stars are welcomed into their stables. In the parade ring, amid the swish of silks, jockeys and horses find a fleeting moment of communion. Then comes the grand gallop — a thunderous sprint of colour and courage, speed and spectacle. The July is also a kaleidoscope of identity: Zulu regalia, Indian couture, township streetwear and European luxury brands all jostle for attention. It's an unofficial runway for the rainbow nation — though some ask whose culture is truly being showcased, and who ultimately profits. Behind the scenes, deals are struck and alliances forged. Boardroom barons and powerbrokers rub shoulders in VIP lounges, while influencers race to out-dress each other in branded content disguised as lifestyle. Once mainly about horses, the race has been overtaken by a battlefield of brands. There is also a spectre of race, power and representation: despite its rainbow nation feel, questions persist about ownership and access. Who controls the horse racing industry? Whose culture is being showcased? Who profits? Hollywoodbets is the third most prominent sponsor on the heels of longstanding underwriters Rothmans, until then health minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma snuffed it out of the sport of kings with the ban on tobacco, and followed by cellular phone giant Vodacom, until the silent grandstands of Covid-19 lockdown scratched it out. Hollywoodbets, a sportsbook and betting operator became the title sponsor of the Durban July in 2020. Its purple branding now dominates the racecourse and the broader July experience. Founded in Durban and rooted in the local racing industry, Hollywoodbets has grown from a modest operation into an international gaming giant with interests in sports betting, horse racing, online casino gaming and community development. 'This year's Hollywoodbets Durban July is more than just a race,' said spokesperson Zandile Dlamini. 'It's a full cultural experience. We're thrilled to offer a lineup that celebrates South African music, lifestyle and diversity. Our goal is to create unforgettable moments for all who attend.' Raceday is a showpiece of alcohol, excess, extravagance and exploitation — often enabled by the blurred lines of luxury and liberty. Still, the July remains a symbolic stage for the city and the country. Its contradictions mirror our own: dazzling yet divided, aspirational yet uneven. If managed with vision and fairness, it could be a true platform for transformation — not only for racing but for South African society. Much of the event's sustainability now rests on leadership. Naidoo is widely respected for his strategic vision and transformation efforts. Under his stewardship, Gold Circle has navigated post-Covid problems and adapted to an evolving entertainment and betting landscape. As millions of rands will be splurged, the biggest buzz surrounds the main race, which features 18 runners, with two reserve horses on standby in case of any late scratching. This Grade 1 contest will be run over 2 200 metres. The favourite is Eight On Eighteen, currently leading the betting market at 14/10 odds. Drawn at gate 11, the colt will be ridden by champion jockey Richard Fourie and is trained by Justin Snaith. As Durban catches its breath after another unforgettable edition on Saturday, 5 July, one thing is clear: the Durban July remains a metaphor for South Africa. What we choose to see — glamour or grit, triumph or tension — depends on how close we're willing to look. Here's a personal tip: don't lose your shirt, don't drink and drive, and catch an Uber home safely. Marlan Padayachee is a former political, foreign and diplomatic correspondent in the transition from apartheid to democracy and is now a freelance journalist, photographer and researcher.
IOL News
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Durban July 2025 betting guide: Favourites, form and what to expect at Greyville
Get ready for the Durban July Last year's champion, Oriental Charm, has already emerged as one of the early favourites for the 2025 Hollywoodbets Durban July. Photo: Gold Circle Image: Gold Circle Eight of Eighteen is the favourite to take top honours at this weekend's running of the Durban July at Greyville Racecourse. All eyes will be on the three-year-old colt, trained by Justin Snaith and ridden by champion jockey Richard Fourie, as he heads into the R5 million Durban July on the back of some impressive results. Eight of Eighteen, who comes in at 14/10 to win on Saturday, came out tops at the prestigious Cape Town Met in January, and again at the SplashOut Cape Derby a month later. And for good measure, the young colt was also victorious in the Daily News 2000 in Durban. Sail The Seas, the only horse to beat Eight of Eighteen this year, will not be in Durban. Oriental Charm, the winner from last year, is expected to give Eight of Eighteen a run for his money, coming in at 11/2 to take top honours. Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel. While Eight of Eighteen will be the name on everyone's lips on Saturday, punters shouldn't take their eyes off Oriental Charm, as his form going into this weekend is better than when he came out tops last year. After a disappointing seventh place at the King's Plate in Kenilworth, the JP van der Merwe-ridden Oriental Charm earned two second-place finishes at the Cape Town Met and the Hollywoodbets Gold Challenge in Durban. What's shaping up is a thrilling head-to-head between the rising star and the proven champion. With Eight of Eighteen riding the momentum of a good 2025, and Oriental Charm hungry to reclaim his crown after coming close in recent starts, Saturday's race is expected to deliver fireworks down the final stretch at Greyville. At 7/1 odds, Immediate Edge, who will be ridden by Callan Murray, should also be in the conversation come Saturday. He heads into the July on the back of four wins. But with all of his races having taken place at Turffontein this year, it remains to be seen if racing at sea level will have an impact on his day. Five-year-old See It Again and The Real Prince, aged four, round out the top five at 25/2 and 14/1 odds. The Michael Roberts-trained See It Again will be out to recapture some magic from 2023 when he won a number of races and finished second in the Durban July. The Real Prince, winner at the City of Cape Town Jet Master Stakes at Kenilworth, will also be keen to make a splash. Durban July 2025 – Runners List and odds according to Hollywoodbets 1. EIGHT ON EIGHTEEN (11) Odds: 14/10 Mass: 57.0 kg Jockey: R. Fourie Trainer: J. Snaith 2. ORIENTAL CHARM (1) Odds: 11/2 Mass: 60.0 kg Jockey: J. P. van der Merwe Trainer: J. Crawford 3. IMMEDIATE EDGE (10) Odds: 7/1 Mass: 53.0 kg Jockey: C. Murray Trainer: M/M de Kock 4. SEE IT AGAIN (15) Odds: 25/2 Mass: 60.0 kg Jockey: R. Danielson Trainer: M. Roberts 5. THE REAL PRINCE (5) Odds: 14/1 Mass: 56.5 kg Jockey: C. Zackey Trainer: D. Kannemeyer 6. GLADATORIAN (16) Odds: 16/1 Mass: 60.0 kg Jockey: S. Veale Trainer: S. Ferrie 7. SELUKWE (6) Odds: 16/1 Mass: 54.0 kg Jockey: S. Moodley Trainer: A. Nel 8. ROYAL VICTORY (17) Odds: 20/1 Mass: 59.0 kg Jockey: M. Yeni Trainer: N. Kotzen 9. OKAVANGO (13) Odds: 20/1 Mass: 54.5 kg Jockey: A. Fortune Trainer: J. Snaith 10. ATTICUS FINCH (4) Odds: 25/1 Mass: 57.0 kg Jockey: C. Habib Trainer: A. Laird 11. CONFEDERATE (14) Odds: 25/1 Mass: 53.5 kg Jockey: W. Kennedy Trainer: F. Habib 12. NATIVE RULER (18) Odds: 33/1 Mass: 54.0 kg Jockey: T. Godden Trainer: J. Snaith 13. MADISON VALLEY (2) Odds: 33/1 Mass: 54.0 kg Jockey: G. Lerena Trainer: F. Robinson 14. MY BEST SHOT (9) Odds: 33/1 Mass: 53.0 kg Jockey: C. Maujean Trainer: A. Greeff 15. ON MY HONOUR (3) Odds: 33/1 Mass: 53.0 kg Jockey: S. Khumalo Trainer: G. Kotzen 16. PURPLE PITCHER (12) Odds: 50/1 Mass: 57.5 kg Jockey: K. Matsunyane Trainer: R. Klaasen 17. POMODORO'S JET (8) Odds: 50/1 Mass: 55.5 kg Jockey: A. Mgudlwa Trainer: J. Crawford 18. RAINBOW LORIKEET (7) Odds: 50/1 Mass: 53.0 kg Jockey: D. De Gouveia Trainer: C. Bass-Robinson IOL Sport
The Citizen
02-06-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Race Coast off to a fast start
Little and Fortune light up Scottsville speed fest. Race Coast had a cheering start. The new brand unites the operations of Western Cape's Cape Racing and Gold Circle of KwaZulu-Natal and Durban's Bay of Plenty beach was the sunny venue for the official launch last week. Horses galloped on the sands of the surfers' haunt and racing's great and good proclaimed a new dawn, to the roar of Indian Ocean breakers. Then there was exciting and uplifting racing itself. This was a little out of earshot of the waves – 80km inland to be precise, at Maritzburg for the annual Festival of Speed on Saturday. For every race to the coast there must be a midlands meander. Scottsville racecourse introduced Race Coast in a rather special way, with any number of upbeat stories crammed into its famous four-feature card. Jockeys back in the mix Race Coast represents renewal in racing and you couldn't ask for better redemption stories than those of jockeys Andrew Fortune and Chad Little who have overcome dark times and fought their way back into the winners' circle. Little, back in the irons at the age of 40, found his reward in the shape of a first Grade 1 victory – a battling effort aboard the appropriately named Good For You, trained by Glen Kotzen, in the Gold Medallion for juveniles. Former champion jockey Fortune returned to the saddle at 57 earlier this year, after years in retirement and following unlikely recoveries from drug addiction and weight issues. On Saturday, he won the Grade 2 Golden Horse Sprint on Tenango for trainer Candice Bass-Robinson and his ebullient interview contained this gem of wisdom: 'You've got to turn up for yourself!' Epitomising that philosophy is Sean Tarry, who's diligence has kept him at the top of the training ranks for decades – not least with phenomenal annual success at Scottsville's biggest meeting. This time around, he landed the topliner on the card, the Grade 1 SA Fillies And Mares Sprint, with Mia Moo. More success stories On the four-year-old's back was Callan Murray, a talented young jockey who plied his trade in Australia for a few years – as South African racing looked headed for the knacker's yard – but is back in his homeland after hearing good things about the revival of the game – a la Race Coast. Another welcome stirring in local racing waters has been successful raiding around the country by trainer Alan Greeff from the backwaters of Eastern Cape. His juvenile filly Direct Hit cruised to victory in the ultra-prestigious Grade 1 Allan Robertson Championship, remaining unbeaten in four starts. Further landmark events at Scottsville included emerging stallion Canford Cliffs registering his first Grade 1 win, with Direct Hit, and complementing it with a Grade 2, with Tenango. And there were plenty more diverting moments, such as grooms with stage-fright and big cheques and babbling owners regaling us with their inevitable tales of lows and highs in the infernal game. If there was a note of disappointment it was the small crowd at one of the year's major race meetings. But, then again, Race Coast has just got started.
NBC Sports
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- NBC Sports
NBCUNIVERSAL'S PARIS OLYMPICS COVERAGE TOPS SPORTS EMMYS WITH 10 WINS AS NBCU TIES COMPANY RECORD WITH 13 AWARDS
NBCU Ties for Most Sports Emmys of Any Media Company 2024 Paris Olympic Games Wins Outstanding Live Special – Championship Event NBC Sports' Peter Diamond (Gold Circle) and Rob Hyland (Silver Circle) Earn Special Recognition from the Academy Telemundo's Miguel Gurwitz Wins for Outstanding On-Air Personality in Spanish NEW YORK, NY – May 20, 2025 – NBCUniversal's coverage of the XXXIII Olympic Games from Paris topped the 46th Sports Emmy Awards with 10 wins – headlined by the honor for Outstanding Live Special-Championship Event – as NBCU tied its company record with 13 Sports Emmys (2003). In addition, NBC Sports earned honors for its NFL Playoff coverage and Telemundo Deportes' Miguel Gurwitz won his second Sports Emmy. The awards were presented by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences at Frederick P. Rose Hall, Home of Jazz at Lincoln Center. Additionally at tonight's awards, Peter Diamond, former EVP, NBC Olympics Programming, and Rob Hyland, Coordinating Producer, NBC Sunday Night Football and Primetime Producer, NBC Olympics, earned special recognition for 'individuals who have performed distinguished service within the television industry, setting standards for achievement, mentoring, leadership and professional accolades for 25 or 50 years.' Diamond received Gold Circle honors for 50 years of exemplary service. Hyland earned Silver Circle honors for more than a quarter century of excellence. The complete list of NBCUniversal winners: Outstanding Live Special – Championship Event: The Games of the XXXIII Olympiad (NBC/Peacock) Outstanding Playoff Coverage: NFL Playoffs (NBC/Peacock) Outstanding Short Feature: The Games of the XXXIII Olympiad: Caeleb & The Critic (NBC/Peacock) Outstanding Open/Tease: The Games of the XXXIII Olympiad: Land of Stories (NBC/Peacock) Outstanding Interactive Experience: The Games of the XXXIII Olympiad (NBC/Peacock) Outstanding Technical Team Event: The Games of the XXXIII Olympiad (NBC/Peacock) Outstanding Technical Team Studio: The Games of the XXXIII Olympiad (NBC/Peacock) Outstanding Editing – Short Form: The Games of the XXXIII Olympiad: Land of Stories (NBC/Peacock) The Dick Schaap Outstanding Writing Award – Short Form: The Games of the XXXIII Olympiad: Land of Stories (NBC/Peacock) Outstanding Audio/Sound – Live Event: The Games of the XXXIII Olympiad (NBC/Peacock) Outstanding Graphic Design – Event/Show: The Games of the XXXIII Olympiad (NBC/Peacock/USA Network/CNBC/E!/ Channel) The George Wensel Technical Achievement Award: 2024 PGA TOUR: Drone AR (CBS/NBC (PGA TOUR)) Outstanding On-Air Personality in Spanish: Miguel Gurwitz (Telemundo/Universo/Peacock) A complete list of winners is available here. --NBC SPORTS—
IOL News
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Racing season opens with thrilling victory in R750 000 Independent On Saturday Gr2 Drill Hall Stakes
The Champions Season started with the running of the Independent On Saturday Gr2 Drill Hall Stakes at Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse on Saturday. Image: Leon Lestrade / Independent Newspapers. The atmosphere was electric at the Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse last Saturday as the 2025 Champions Season kicked off with the R750 000 Independent On Saturday Gr2 Drill Hall Stakes. The event attracted a vibrant crowd of fans, punters, and families, all eager to participate in this prestigious day of racing. Children enjoyed a range of free entertainment at KidZone, while adults livened up their experience at the Durban View Restaurant and participated in the thrilling Win if You Lose competitions that kept spirits high between the races. In a riveting 1400m race, the crowd roared as Gladatorian, the five-year-old son of Vercingetorix piloted by his usual jockey Sean Veale, rode to victory. The gelding triumphed over 11 formidable rivals, including last year's winner, Royal Aussie. Marketing and brand officer, Sinethemba Hlela, stated that The Independent on Saturday is proud of its ongoing relationship with Hollywoodbets Greyville and Gold Circle, which continues to grow. 'The Independent on Saturday Drill Hall Stakes is always an exciting highlight on our calendar, and we are thrilled to be part of the top-class racing this event brings,' she said. Graeme Hawkins from Gold Circle said Champions Season 2025 got off to a flying start last Saturday, with top-class racing and exciting finishes the order of the day. 'The traditional season-opener, the IOS Drill Hall Stakes, held over 1400m, produced a nail-biting finish between Gladatorian and See It Again, which set the tone for an outstanding day,' he said. Looking forward, Hawkins said the stage is set for a memorable Champions Season, with the R5 million Hollywoodbets Durban July being the highlight. 'At the first entry stage, 61 horses were nominated, including both Gladatorian and See It Again, and with the Daily News 2000 (Gr1) in two weeks' time, there is much anticipation amongst the racing fans,' he said. 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 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. Next Stay Close ✕ Punter Raffiek Habib, 68, from Durban, who attends all the major races, recalled coming to the racecourse at the age of seven with his grandfather. 'I love horses running on this track; it's not about the money and gambling, it's about blueblood racing. The way horses are bred and the speed they have, it's exhilarating, and that's what I love about it. Although the jockey is on the horse getting that rush, I'm here, backing that horse and getting that same rush. The excitement is there,' he said. However, Habib said he did win some of the bets he placed and is looking forward to the season ahead.
