The Hollywoodbets Durban July countdown: A celebration of culture, fashion and equine excellence
As excitement mounts, all eyes will be on the Greyville Racecourse this weekend, where the fusion of tradition, fashion, and a festive spirit will create an unforgettable experience.Luyolo Madlala (right), in a Kheta Thango outfit which is a finalist in the Hollywoodbets Durban July Young Designer Award competition, and Shenal Zulu in a DFF Rising Stars outfit designed by Mbasa Ndongeni, with Madison Valley
As the anticipation builds for the Hollywoodbets Durban July, this year's affair is expected to showcase a blend of tradition, innovation, and unmissable fashion flair, cementing its status as a highlight on Africa's social calendar.
Scheduled for 5 July at the Greyville Racecourse, this prestigious gathering is set to welcome approximately 45,000 attendees, promising both glamour and economic vitality for the host city of Durban.
The eThekwini municipality has been proactive in its preparations, with multidisciplinary teams diligently working to clean and enhance the precinct surrounding the racecourse.
'This included cutting grass and pruning trees as well as street sweeping. Teams consisted of officials from iTRUMP Area-Based Management, the Cleansing and Solid Waste Unit, the Metro Police, the Roads Department, and the Parks Department, as well as volunteers from Ensure Security and Ensure Ubuntu Cleaning.'
This year marks the 128th edition, and the event is poised to dazzle not only with its races but also with the vibrant theme of 'Marvels of Mzansi'.
Designers, both professional and amateur, are eager to showcase their creative talents, making this aspect of the event as thrilling as the races themselves.
It is explained that the fashion component will feature three official elements: the Durban Fashion Fair Rising Stars, the Hollywoodbets Durban July Invited Designers Showcase, and the 10 finalists from the Hollywoodbets Durban July Young Designer competition.
Renowned and emerging designers will also display their creations, while the student designers await the announcement of winners for incredible prizes and the coveted title of the year.
Fashion enthusiasts will have the chance to showcase their own attire in the Hollywoodbets Durban July Raceday Fashion Awards, while ticket holders can enter categories such as classic racewear for men and women, best dressed couple, and the standout raceday hat or fascinator, further adding an element of competition to the day.
Adding a modern flair to the cherished traditions, the cutting-edge automotive manufacturer Omoda has joined the celebration, backing renowned designer Khosi Nkosi.
The dynamic duo of Nobukhozi and Thabo Mukwevho leads the design house, which has garnered attention at Milan and Paris Fashion Weeks. Their collaboration with the brand, encapsulated in the Ndlovukazi campaign, is a tribute to African royalty and beauty, where it serves as a canvas for their innovative vision.
Shannon Gahagan, Brand and Marketing Manager for Omoda & Jaecoo South Africa, expressed pride in the partnership, stating,'Our collaboration with Khosi Nkosi is a celebration of cultural power and creative expression. Through the Ndlovukazi campaign and this bespoke Omoda C7 wrap, we're proud to honour heritage in a way that moves the story forward.'
anita.nkonki@inl.co.za
Saturday Star
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


The South African
2 days ago
- The South African
Hollywoodbets Durban July: Roll of Honour
The 129th running of Africa's greatest horse race, the Hollywoodbets Durban July, took place on Saturday, 5 July at Hollywoodbets Greyville. The Grade 1 race over 2 200m offered a prize purse of R5 million. The race – one of the most thrilling in recent memory – was won by The Real Prince. It was trainer Dean Kannemeyer's fourth win in the race, and a first victory for jockey Craig Zackey. Some of South Africa's greatest ever horses, trainers and jockeys have won the race which dates back to 1897. Take a look at the updated Roll of Honour, below … Year Winner Trainer Jockey 2025 The Real Prince D Kannemeyer C Zackey 2024 Oriental Charm B Crawford JP vd Merwe 2023 Winchester Mansion B Crawford K Matsunyane 2022 Sparkling Water M De Kock S Khumalo 2021 Kommetdieding H Crawford / M Rix G Lerena 2020 Belgarion J Snaith R Fourie 2019 Do It Again J Snaith R Fourie 2018 Do It Again J Snaith A Marcus 2017 Marinaresco C Bass-Robinson B Fayd'herbe 2016 The Conglomerate J Ramsden P Strydom 2015 Power King D Kannemeyer S Randolph 2014 Legislate J Snaith R Fourie 2013 Heavy Metal S Tarry S Khumalo 2012 Pomodoro S Tarry P Strydom 2011 Igugu M De Kock A Delpech 2010 Bold Silvano M De Kock A Delpech 2009 Big City Life G Kotzen G Cheyne =2008 Pocket Power M W Bass B Fayd'herbe =2008 Dancer's Daughter J Snaith K Shea 2007 Hunting Tower C S Laird A Marcus 2006 Eyeofthetiger D M Kannemeyer G Schlechter 2005 Dunford M W Bass A Marcus 2004 Greys Inn M De Kock A Delpech 2003 Dynasty D M Kannemeyer R Fradd 2002 Ipi Tombe M De Kock K Shea 2001 Trademark M W Bass P Strydom 2000 El Picha G Woodruff A Marcus 1999 El Picha G Woodruff R Hill 1998 Classic Flag D E Ferraris A Delpech 1997 Super Quality D E Ferraris M Roberts 1996 London News A Laird P Strydom 1995 Teal P B Shaw J Geroudis 1994 Space Walk M H Maingard R Fradd 1993 Dancing Duel A T Millard A Marcus 1992 Spanish Galliard D R Drier R Sham 1991 Flaming Rock R C Snaith K Neisius 1990 Illustrador T M Millard F Coetzee 1989 Right Prerogative T M Millard M Sutherland 1988 Royal Chalice T M Millard D Coetzee 1987 Bush Telegraph B Abercrombie G Puller 1986 Occult T M Millard B Leisher 1985 Gondolier M P Antelme W Harvey 1984 Devon Air T M Millard D Coetzee 1983 Tecla Bluff T M Millard M Sutherland 1982 Jamaican Rumba G M Thompson P Wynne 1981 Big Charles Dr L F Naude J Anderson 1980 Beau Art J Nicholson F Macaskill 1979 Over The Air P Kannemeyer G Puller 1978 Politician S Laird B Hayden 1977 Lightning Shot D G Rich D Mustard 1976 Jamaican Music R J Rixon B Abercrombie 1975 Principal Boy J Breval R Thompson 1974 Riboville G Azzie M Schoeman 1973 Yataghan S Laird B Hayden 1972 In Full Flight D Payne R Rhodes 1971 Mazarin S Laird B Hayden 1970 Court Day R T Knight C Maree 1969 Naval Escort F Rickaby A Reid 1968 Chimboraa B A Cherry D Payne =1967 Jollify F Rickaby J Gorton =1967 Sea Cottage S Laird R Sivewright 1966 Java Head S Laird H Cawcutt 1965 King Willow J Breval I Bailey 1964 Numeral G Azzie R Rhodes 1963 Colorado King S Laird R Sivewright 1962 Diza J H Gorton A Roberts 1961 Kerason S Laird G Walker 1960 Left Wing S Garrett P Cayeux 1959 Tiger Fish T Furness B Little 1958 Excise W Cawcutt H Cawcutt 1957 Migraine F J Chappell H Passmoore 1956 Spey Bridge H Amos C Buckham 1955 Pretos Crown G Azzie H Wright 1954 C'est Si Bon D Labistour J Byrnes 1953 Flash On W E Huckell J Westwater 1952 Mowgli G A Ellis B Lewis 1951 Gay Jane D Labistour V Mcmurtry 1950 Milesia Pride J Morrison B Lewis 1949 Milesia Pride J Morrison H Wright 1948 Monasterevan E Shaw C Buckham 1947 Brookhill T J H Potgieter H Wright 1946 St Pauls D Talbert H Foster 1945 St Seiriol C L Longhurst H Butler 1944 Monteith C B Clutterbuck H Berry 1943 Piccadilly Jim C E Wade H Feldman 1942 Silver Phantom E Shaw H Wright 1941 Sadri Ii S Garrett S Amos 1940 Kipling A E Cruickshank A Gorton 1939 Silver Spear L Howe H Feldman 1938 Extinguisher W Krog C Barends 1937 Ballyjamesduff J Azzie G Masterson 1936 Petersfield E Shaw L Fernandez 1935 Eccentric A Rowe G Askew 1934 Sun Tor J Angles A Rugg 1933 Legacy P C Henwood E Lariviere 1932 Findhorn E Ryan S Johnson 1931 Agrippa W Pickering R De Valle 1930 Full Dress S Garrett H Amos 1929 Gifted W Jackson G Lariviere 1928 Glen Albyn G S Weale A Herschell 1927 Hussein C E Wade G Gorton 1926 Moosme W Knapp E Jacobie 1925 Bird Of Prey W Randall I Strydom 1924 Oriel E Ryan J Lieveaux 1923 Eunomea J Russell J Otto 1922 Collet J Gard F Mcgrath 1921 Longstop G S Weale L Fernandez 1920 Pamphlet J Russell S Garrett 1919 Goldwing J Russell S Garrett 1918 Pamphlet J Russell C Bowles 1917 Fanous P R Little W Crew 1916 Margin A C Townsend W Clements 1915 Winnipeg H De Mestre R Forsyth 1914 Rhanleigh W Randall R Dine 1913 Caged Bird F Murray W Crew 1912 Lombard F Murray I Strydom 1911 Nobleman F Murray A Laird 1910 Sir Caulin F Murray E Hardy 1909 King's Favourite H De Mestre C Clark 1908 Corriecrian F Wade W Pickering 1907 Corriecrian F Wade C Yarnell 1906 Bonnie Dundee W Pickering W Pickering 1905 Chere Amie R Wootton J Mclaughlan 1904 Nymagee W Meredith W Clements 1903 Peerless John White J White 1902 Chaos W Henwood G Bowker 1901 Apollo H C Croon C Macdonald 1900 Verdant Green H C Croon C Macdonald 1899 Talma Hw Taylor J Boardman 1898 Campanajo E Murray G Skirving 1897 Campanajo E Murray R Scott Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.

TimesLIVE
3 days ago
- TimesLIVE
Celebs turn up the glam at Durban July: Marvels of Mzansi
All eyes were on the Marvels of Mzansi as South Africa's A-list showed up and showed off at this year's Durban July. Style stars Mihlali Ndamase, Jessica Nkosi, Mohale Motaung and Zanele Potelwa brought the heat to the country's biggest horse racing day, turning fashion into a cultural celebration. However, the real VIP experience was the Weekend of Marvels hosted by Savanna Premium Dry which started with a pre-race day party at a luxurious mansion in Ballito on Friday night before moving to the Neat Speakeasy on Saturday. Forming part of the ultra-luxe Chaise Lounge marquee, the golden ticket delivered an unforgettable trackside affair for guests, including Comedian of the Year Celeste Ntuli, funnyman Mpho Popps, media personality Moshe Ndiki and the newest stars on the block, the Zama twins, Ayanda and Andile, from The Real Housewives of Durban. Watch the full roundup for the best looks, the glam and inside access to the party everyone continues to talk about.

IOL News
4 days ago
- IOL News
Rapper K. O wows fans at Martell and Makubenjalo marquee at Hollywoodbets Durban July
K.O mesmerises fans at the Martell and Makubenjalo marquee. Image: Instagram/mrcashtime Rapper K.O performed at the Martell and Makubenjalo marquee at the Hollywoodbets Durban July where he took music lovers on a trip down memory lane. After his fire performance, which had everyone singing along, K.O spoke to IOL about his experience at the marquee, a new arrival at the Hollywoodbets Durban July. 'I think this is probably, the most fun marquee. I'm not gonna lie, there's a lot of dope people in there. The energy is great, and of course, Martell is the hottest thing.' Having performed at the various marquees at the Hollywoodbets Durban July for close to 20 years, K.O reflected that it was a blessing to be still able to do what he does. 'Being here, continuously getting the business and the reception that is still endless to this day, to me it's just an honour.' 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 ✕ In June, K.O released a new 14-track album, "Phara City", which takes a look into the current socio-political climate of South Africa. He reflected that it has been encouraging to have people receive the message he is trying to push across. 'I'm not only entertaining people, but I'm also just informing and educating the listeners because there's a lot of real things outside of just us dancing and doing all these things. 'There's a lot of real things happening in the country, and we especially the hip-hop guys, we have a voice. We have the platform to actually use our creative platform to reflect the times. 'That's basically what I was trying to do with Phara City and I hope the album will age well in the years to come.' K.O has plans to hold album launches across the country, with Durban being on the cards very soon, and plans to take on Africa as well. He also hinted at wanting to make limited vinyl copies of the album. The Martell and Makubenjalo marquee was hosted by Metro FM radio presenter and DJ Lamiez Holworthy, who rocked a custom statement white dress by Q'Mane. Holworthy worked with Q'Mane on her looks for the Metro FM Music Awards, landing her on the best-dressed lists and once again they created magic. 'I keep switching it up, it's something new all the time and it's amazing to experience it,' Q'Mane told IOL. 'That people love it, that warms my heart. Because if the people are receiving it well, then it means I'm doing great.' For its first time at the Hollywoodbets Durban July, Martell and Makubenjalo marquee has received praise from attendees for not being sold out but well organised, great entertainment from Blxckie to Kabza De Small and DJ Maphorisa that had them dancing the night away. IOL Entertainment