Latest news with #RichardFourie
News24
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- News24
Exciting Hollywoodbets Durban July final field unveiled
All set for 5 July! A nationally representative field will line up on Saturday 5 July for the 129th renewal of the R5 million Hollywoodbets Gr1 Durban July, with the 2024 defending champion Oriental Charm jumping from the pole position gate. That was the news to emerge on Tuesday when the capacity field for the 2025 running, sponsored for the fourth consecutive year by Hollywoodbets, was proudly unveiled by Race Coast at Hollywoodbets Greyville, the historic home of Africa's Greatest Horse Racing and Social Event. History could be made for Champion jockey Defending champion Oriental Charm, now in the sole care of James Crawford, who will be saddling his first July runners for his own account, heads the weights, carrying 60kgs alongside two high-class hometown challengers in See It Again and Gladatorian. South African champion trainer Justin Snaith has three runners in his bid for his sixth Hollywoodbets Durban July victory. The Snaith attack is headed by the champion 3yo Eight On Eighteen, whose participation in the great race has been a talking point for two months. Record breaking SA Champion jockey Richard Fourie will partner Eight On Eighteen and bids for his personal fourth trophy in the 2200m contest. Chasing glory: Trainers ready to make history While the iconic Syd Laird leads the honour boards with 7 Durban July winners, Justin Snaith and Mike de Kock (in partnership with son Mathew), are both in line for a sixth trophy, which would place them in the heady realm of the late great Terrance Millard. Former dual SA champion jockey Warren Kennedy, returns from New Zealand to ride Highveld raider Confederate for Fabian Habib. Candice Bass-Robinson, who became the first lady trainer to lift a July trophy when Marinaresco won in 2017, enjoys the honour of saddling the only filly in the field, in Rainbow Lorikeet. As anticipation builds for Africa's greatest horse racing event, the announcement of the final field marks a key milestone in the countdown to the 2025 Hollywoodbets Durban July.
IOL News
29-06-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Defending champ Oriental Charm, in pole position, leads the charge in 129th Durban July
Jockey Richard Fourie Jockey Richard Fourie seeks his fourth July trophy, having previously won twice with Justin Snaith's charges such as Legislate (2014) and Do It Again (2019). Defending champion Oriental Charm will lead the charge from the coveted pole position gate for the 129th running of the Hollywoodbets Gr1 Durban July, boasting a purse of R5 million. The premier event on South Africa's horse racing calendar is on Saturday, 5 July, at Hollywoodbets Greyville, the race's illustrious home. This year's Durban July promises a vibrant celebration themed 'Marvels of Mzansi,' seamlessly merging cultural festivities with the thrill of racing at As always, the event anticipates not just fierce competition but also a showcase of South African culture and fashion, drawing crowds eager to indulge in the spectacle. Oriental Charm is aiming to repeat last year's success under the guidance of young trainer James Crawford. Crawford, who will be saddling his first runners in the Durban July for his own account, is excited about the opportunity and carries immense weight into the race, alongside two strong local contenders, See It Again and Gladatorian, each with hopes of a home victory. Eight On Eighteen's participation has generated buzz, with debates swirling around whether the young racer would face the formidable Durban July or take the 'more secure' route via the Gr1 Champions Cup later in the season. Sporting a competitive draw from gate 11, Eight On Eighteen aims to impress not only his owners—Nic Jonsson, a previous winner, and businessman Johann Rupert, who is making his ambitions in horse racing known—but the wider horse racing community. Should he win, Eight On Eighteen has the potential to break historical odds set by the legendary Sea Cottage in 1967. With a draw at gate 11 for Eight On Eighteen, the pressure is on, but Fourie's experience may well see him navigate through the pressures that come with such esteemed competition. Fourie's previous wins, all for Snaith, add a layer of exciting history to the upcoming race. On the other end, former dual SA champion jockey Warren Kennedy returns to ride the horse Confederate, having yet to clinch a Durban July title since his debut in 2004. Meanwhile, the legendary trainer Mike de Kock, aiming for his sixth victory, prepares Immediate Edge, who arrives after a stellar win in the Gr3 Jubilee Stakes. Candice Bass-Robinson, celebrated for her historic win with Marinaresco in 2017, also has a contender this year, Rainbow Lorikeet, remarkably the only filly in the running. With a competitive draw of 7, she comes with a history that intertwines beautifully with Bass-Robinson's career. Owned by the Yuppie Syndicate, Rainbow Lorikeet adds yet another layer of narrative to the rich tapestry of this year's race. As the date approaches, fans and participants alike prepare for what promises to be an unforgettable event—a celebration of sport, culture, and community pride, encapsulated on the hallowed turf of Hollywoodbets Greyville.
The Citizen
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Eight On Eighteen in the final 18: Field and draws for Durban July unveiled
There are no major surprises in the final field for the R5-million Grade 1 epic on 5 July. The lure of the Hollywoodbets Durban July proved too much to resist. Connections of Eight On Eighteen – ante-post favourite for South Africa's biggest horse race – succumbed to the promise of a special place in racing's history books and opted to run the wonder colt at Greyville in two weeks' time. Eight On Eighteen will carry the three-year-old maximum of 57kg, will be ridden by champion jockey Richard Fourie and has drawn starting gate No 11 – which many consider to be close to ideal for the 2200m showpiece (and was the draw of last year's winner Oriental Charm). For months, trainer Justin Snaith and owners Nick Jonsson and Johan Rupert remained non-committal about the horse's participation in the 129th renewal of the July. Right up until Eight On Eighteen's name was announced in the final field of 18 runners on Tuesday morning, conflicting rumours buzzed about. Word was that the three-year-old star had already cemented an elevated place in the stud book with three Grade 1 victories, including in the Cape Town Met, and there were fears that the rough-and-tumble of a July could only diminish that – both physically and reputationally. In the end, the old July magic worked. There are no major surprises in the final field for the R5-million Grade 1 epic on 5 July. An inclusion that might spark some debate is Rainbow Lorikeet, the sole filly in the line-up. Candice Bass-Robinson's four-year-old had not made it into any of the July logs of 'probables', but scratchings from among remaining entries in recent days afforded the selection panel the chance to provide a smidgeon of gender interest – not to mention the colour of the filly's Yuppie Syndicate ownership. On the fringes as reserves are Sean Tarry's Litigation and Tony Peter's Son Of Raj. Only four other remaining entries were eliminated: The Equator, Holding Thumbs, Beating Wings and Thunee Playa. Former champion Tarry might well be a notable absentee from the July saddling ring. Joburg's perennial top trainer unsurprisingly scratched his SA Derby winner Legend Of Arthur from the big race after two shockingly bad prep runs. The traditional July public gallops will be held at Greyville early on Thursday morning (26 June). FIELD FOR THE 2025 HOLLYWOODBETS DURBAN JULY [number & draw, name, weight, (jockey), trainer] 1 Oriental Charm 60kg (JP van der Merwe) James Crawford 2 Madison Valley 54kg (Gavin Lerena) Frank Robinson 3 On My Honour 53kg (S'manga Khumalo) Glen Kotzen 4 Atticus Finch 57kg (Calvin Habib) Alec Laird 5 The Real Prince 56.5kg (Craig Zackey) Dean Kannemeyer 6 Selukwe 54kg (Serino Moodley) Andre Nel 7 Rainbow Lorikeet 53kg (Diego de Gouveia) Candice Bass-Robinson 8 Pomodoro's Jet 55.5kg (Ant Mgudlwa) James Crawford 9 My Best Shot 53kg (Chase Maujean) Alan Greeff 10 Immediate Edge (Callan Murray) Mike & Mathew de Kock 11 Eight On Eighteen (Richard Fourie) Justin Snaith 12 Purple Pitcher 57.5kg (Kabelo Matsunyane) Robyn Klaasen 13 Okavango 54.5kg (Andrew Fortune) Justin Snaith 14 Confederate 53.5kg (Warren Kennedy) Fabian Habib 15 See It Again 60kg (Raymond Danielson) Michael Roberts 16 Gladatorian 60kg (Stuart Ferrie) Sean Veale 17 Royal Victory 59kg (Muzi Yeni) Nathan Kotzen 18 Native Ruler (Timothy Godden) Justin Snaith RESERVES: 19 Litigation 54kg Sean Tarry 20 Son Of Raj 56kg Tony Peter (In the event of a scratching, the reserve runner replacement will inherit the draw of the withdrawn horse)
New Paper
12-06-2025
- Sport
- New Paper
June 13 South Africa (Fairview) form analysis
Race 1 (1,200m) (4) MAKE BELIEVE was heavily supported to win on debut but could not match an experienced runner. She should be smarter this time and can go one better. Stablemate (6) WISHES AND DREAMS was a disappointment on debut but jockey Richard Fourie is sticking with her. (3) IVY did not show her best on the turf last time and will like it back on the Polytrack. (5) MONEY GALORE was not disgraced on debut and could have more to offer. Race 2 (1,300m) (2) GREEN OKRA showed improvement on local debut and should make a bold bid at victory. (3) BROOKSIDER is consistent and has a place chance. (5) GLOBAL DRUMBEAT showed improvement and should contest the finish. (6) FIZZLY BUBBLY and (8) MASTER WIZARD have some fair recent form and could earn some more money. Race 3 (1,900m) (5) BATTLE OF BRITAIN has a couple of well beaten fourth place finishes in Gauteng and that form may be good enough to win this. (1) GLOBAL SCENE has been disappointing of late but can contest the finish. (2) OH MANDY usually runs on late and is not out of it. (3) FANTASY GIRL has been a disappointment so far but could like this longer distance. Race 4 (1,900m) (9) RED WILLIAM remains in very good shape and deserves a winning turn after some nice runner-up performances. (1) JACK IN THE GREEN likes the Polytrack. Has a winning chance. (5) SLAINTE MHATH is in good form. Can surprise. (6) ROLL OF THE DICE could be a threat if allowed a soft lead on a surface he clearly likes. Race 5 (2,000m) (9) TAKE YOUR TIME has been a bit unlucky of late and could make all the running one of these days. (4) DARLING HARBOUR finished off her race nicely last time and can go one better. (5) THREE CHEERS is in good form and can contest the finish once again. (8) DUTCHESS D'ORANGE and (10) MOTHERSHIP have also done enough of late to hold winning chances. (1) LADY ZULTANITE likes this surface and is not out of it. Race 6 (1,200m) (4) STRATA disappointed last time when slowly away. She has won on this surface and has Fourie in the saddle. (5) SHARAPOVA is very consistent. This track and trip suit. (7) JAMBO SANA likes this course and distance. (8) SEE YOU IN A BIT and (9) THREAD OF LIFE can also get into the thick of things. Race 7 (1,600m) (7) DYNALLEY was heavily backed to win on the turf recently. He tired badly late but could show significant improvement back on the Polytrack. (8) FINAL EDITION and (9) HOLOCENE are both in good form and quite capable of winning in this division. (1) SLINGS AND ARROWS ran close up in a better field than this last time. Race 8 (1,400m) (8) CITY OF DREAMS is improving and could be better than her current handicap rating. (1) COURAGEOUS has done best on the Polytrack of late and could contest the finish. (5) LADY LUCK bounced back to form with a good win last time. (6) ICE CAP is better than her last run would suggest and has a winning chance.
The Citizen
26-05-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Dopamine aplenty on offer this weekend
Scottsville's sprint Jackpot pool is set to top R1.5 million. Like addictive drugs such as cocaine, heroin, nicotine and alcohol, gambling activates the brain's reward system, which is powered by dopamine. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter inside the brain that reinforces sensations of pleasure. That's what comes up if you ask Google why people gamble. Of course, we know that seeking too much pleasure reinforcement is unlikely to be good for us in the long run, so best be a tad careful with the dopamine fixes during this Champions Season at the racecourse. Health warning out of the way, on to the fun part: planning to scoop big Jackpot pools coming our way this weekend. Three carryovers totalling R700,000 will boost pools for Jackpot One wagers this coming Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Jackpot Ones at Fairview on Friday 30 May and at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Sunday 1 June will kick off with R100,000 carryovers, TAB announced on Monday. Between those two dates, the Jackpot One pool at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on Saturday 30 June will get a weighty R500,000 carryover. The Scottsville meeting features four of South Africa's major sprint races, and they make up the four Jackpot One legs on the day. The four sprints, all over 1200m, comprise three Grade 1 contests and a Grade 2, with the R1.5 million Gold Medallion for two-year-olds heading the show. TAB predicts this pool will top R1.5 million, with the carryovers at Fairview and Kenilworth generating pools of more than R500,000. Down the line Looking a bit further ahead in the KwaZulu-Natal season, on Saturday 7 June punters will be able to bet into the huge Hong Kong Jockey Club World Pool tote on Races 7 to 10 at the Hollywoodbets Gold Challenge meeting, and on all races at the Epsom Derby meeting in the UK. In other good news for the patrons who keep cash churning through the system, the Pick 6 first-timer rule has been extended to include the Bipot – as seen at Greyville racecourse this past Saturday. Should first-timers finish first and second, the first horse to finish of those to have run before also qualifies for the Bipot. 'The purpose of applying the first-timer rule to the Bipot is to prevent customers from being disadvantaged by first-timers and will be welcomed by the many customers who have requested it apply to both the Pick 6 and Bipot,' said TAB. 'It should be noted that, in the Bipot, the first-timer rule does not apply in the event of a raced horse finishing first or second. 'As with the Pick 6, the first-timer rule only applies to Bipots on South African race meetings. In Quickmixes, it applies to South African races only.' Fields for the Scottsville sprints have been finalised. SA Fillies Sprint (draw, name, weight, MR, trainer, jockey) 1 Double Grand Slam 60 122 Justin Snaith Richard Fourie 2 Frozen Fantasy 58.5 99 Robyn Klaasen Kabelo Matsunyane 3 Symphony In White 58.5 105 Candice Bass-Robinson Andrew Fortune 4 Just Be Lekker 60 109 Candice Dawson Serino Moodley 5 Rascova 60 122 Sean Tarry Gavin Lerena 6 Chasing Happiness 60 112 J A Janse van Vuuren S'manga Khumalo 7 Mrs Browning 60 113 Sean Tarry Luyolo Mxothwa 8 Mia Moo 60 115 Sean Tarry Callan Murray 9 Whistle The Tune 58.5 105 Candice Dawson Calvin Habib 10 Asiye Phambili 60 116 Duncan Howells Sean Veale 11 Gimme A Shot 60 110 M G Azzie/A A Azzie Muzi Yeni 12 Mai Sensation 58.5 105 Lucinda Woodruff Juan Paul vd Merwe 13 Chrome Tourmaline 60 106 Fabian Habib Diego De Gouveia 14 Gimmie's Countess 58.5 107 Dean Kannemeyer Craig Zackey 15 Convocation 60 92 Gareth van Zyl Athandiwe Mgudlwa
