Glamour at the Gallops: Fashion and fast horses heat up the Durban July preview
Image: Graham Daniel / Gameplan Media
The runway met the racetrack on Thursday morning when punters and fashionistas enjoyed a preview of next weekend's action at the official Hollywoodbets Durban July Gallops.
Watched by a large crowd, thoroughbreds selected for the main race on July 5 were put through their paces at the Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse, while outside the rails it was a riot of colour, culture, and creativity as designers brought the official theme, 'Marvels of Mzansi,' to life.
South Africa's vibrant soul was stitched into every seam with flair and fierce pride. From vivid interpretations of our landscapes and legends, to haute couture tributes to tradition and township flavour, the preview left onlookers excited for what's to come.
On show at the gallops were nine powerhouse creatives from the Hollywoodbets Durban July DFF Rising Stars Collection; and all ten finalists in the Hollywoodbets Durban July Young Designer Award presented by Durban Fashion Fair. Each was a design that turned heads and stirred hearts.
Inside the rails, the overwhelming favourite for the 2025 R5-million Hollywoodbets Durban July, Eight On Eighteen, was put through his paces and appeared in the pink of condition. With big-race rider Richard Fourie in the irons, Eight On Eighteen went from the 1600m with stable companion Makazole and was held together by Fourie, doing no more than easy pace work. He reached the winning post with ears pricked and appeared to enjoy his effortless Thursday morning workout.
On the other hand, Gladatorian was called on by jockey Sean Veale to fully extend and his 400m to finish time of 22,85 seconds rounded off an impressive gallop. Trainer Stuart Ferrie has Gladatorian in a very good space and the only question mark that now remains, is will he see out the 2200m trip?
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Madison Valley has no such stamina doubts and turned in one of the more eye-catching gallops when working under Gavin Lerena with stable companion Shoot The Rapids. Selukwe also produced a pleasing workout, going solo from the 1200m and the son of former 'July' winner, Pomodoro, is clearly very fit.
Sadly, See It Again did not gallop as he was found to have a slightly elevated temperature, but he presented beautifully in the parade ring. Four times 'July' winning jockey, Anthony Delpech, was particularly taken by On My Honour's piece of work and believes that Glen Kotzen's charge could be the best long-shot in the race.
Nokhanya Dlamini, in a Eulender Cele outfit, gets treated to a ride from rickshaw operator Vukile Gazu at the official Hollywoodbets Durban July Gallops
Image: Graham Daniel / Gameplan Media
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IOL News
13 hours ago
- IOL News
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Naliyani Uma Govender is an ambassador for the Hollywoodbets Durban July. Image: Supplied As anticipation builds around the 2025 Hollywoodbets Durban July, local racegoers are ready to showcase their interpretations of this year's theme, 'Marvels of Mzansi'. The annual racing event will take place at the Greyville Racecourse on Saturday. - Naliyani Uma Govender, an entrepreneur, model and reality TV personality, said her outfit was inspired by South Africa's national treasures. 'Without giving too much away before the big reveal, I can say it is a piece of wearable art that pays homage to both my heritage and the natural beauty of our country.' 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 Govender, who is also an ambassador for the event, said she started planning her outfit about a month ago. 'I sat down with my team and discussed the theme. I didn't want to just dress to impress. I wanted to represent. 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The concept of royal Indian heritage stems from the Maharajas of India. The Maharajas were always draped in some of the most elaborate jewels curated in world history. I will also accessories with royal and regal Indian jewel pieces. 'I have always been told that my style is extremely unique and far from mediocre. I like to think that my lookbook is filled with only aesthetically unique pieces. The Durban July is the one event I can accelerate on this and have fun embracing a theme and fusing it with my personality and alter ego,' he said. Bullyraj said he looked forward to the fashion, networking with people from all over the country, and enjoying the glamorous atmosphere created by the event. He added he would take a few bets. 'I hope that I not only win with a good fit, but also with the right horse.' Jennifer Reddy. 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