Exciting Hollywoodbets Durban July final field unveiled
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.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
News24
25 minutes ago
- News24
Judged by its cover: Publisher takes on Amazon over termination, royalties in book bungle
Publisher and author Melinda Ferguson. Jaco Marais/Gallo Images/Die Burger Be among those who shape the future with knowledge. Uncover exclusive stories that captivate your mind and heart with our FREE 14-day subscription trial. Dive into a world of inspiration, learning, and empowerment. You can only trial once.
Yahoo
42 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Erasmus makes 10 changes to Springboks lineup after shocking Rugby Championship loss to Australia
CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) — South Africa coach Rassie Erasmus made 10 changes to his starting XV for Saturday's second test against Australia as the Rugby World Cup champions bid to avenge a shocking 38-22 home loss to the Wallabies last weekend. The overhaul reflects strategic changes and the absence of injured skipper Siya Kolisi, Pieter-Steph du Toit and both wingers from the Ellis Park defeat. Veteran center Jessie Kriel will stand in as captain for Kolisi and prop Ox Nche will be vice-captain, while Cheslin Koble, Damian de Allende and Willie le Roux return so the starting XV for the second round of the Rugby Championship. Kriel, Nche, Malcom Marx, Marco van Staden and Grant Williams are the only players retained for the starting lineup. Kriel and de Allende will combine in the Springboks midfield for the 38th time, and Handre Pollard returns at No. 10 to partner Williams in the halves. On top of the injuries, Erasmus said, "We also know where we went wrong against Australia last week, so we made a few changes that we believe will offer us what we need for this game. 'We are determined to get things right ... (and) it will be good for a few other guys to experience playing against one the top teams in the world, especially as we continue to build our squad depth." Erasmus said his full squad was 'all aligned' on where they need to lift after losing to the Wallabies at home for the first time since 2011. 'We are still hurting from that result, and the coaches and players are extremely disappointed with the way we played last week," he said. 'We let ourselves and the country down, so we have all the motivation we need to make things right.' The Wallabies sustained injuries in key positions and are expected to announce a match 23 on Thursday. ___ South Africa: Willie le Roux, Canan Moodie, Jesse Kriel (captain), Damian de Allende, Cheslin Kolbe, Handre Pollard, Grant Williams; Jean-Luc du Preez, Franco Mostert, Marco van Staden, Ruan Nortje, R.G. Snyman, Thomas du Toit, Malcolm Marx, Ox Nche. Reserves: Marnus van der Merwe, Boan Venter, Wilco Louw, Eben Etzebeth, Lood de Jager, Kwagga Smith, Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu. ___ AP rugby:
Associated Press
44 minutes ago
- Associated Press
Erasmus makes 10 changes to Springboks lineup after shocking Rugby Championship loss to Australia
CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) — South Africa coach Rassie Erasmus made 10 changes to his starting XV for Saturday's second test against Australia as the Rugby World Cup champions bid to avenge a shocking 38-22 home loss to the Wallabies last weekend. The overhaul reflects strategic changes and the absence of injured skipper Siya Kolisi, Pieter-Steph du Toit and both wingers from the Ellis Park defeat. Veteran center Jessie Kriel will stand in as captain for Kolisi and prop Ox Nche will be vice-captain, while Cheslin Koble, Damian de Allende and Willie le Roux return so the starting XV for the second round of the Rugby Championship. Kriel, Nche, Malcom Marx, Marco van Staden and Grant Williams are the only players retained for the starting lineup. Kriel and de Allende will combine in the Springboks midfield for the 38th time, and Handre Pollard returns at No. 10 to partner Williams in the halves. On top of the injuries, Erasmus said, 'We also know where we went wrong against Australia last week, so we made a few changes that we believe will offer us what we need for this game. 'We are determined to get things right ... (and) it will be good for a few other guys to experience playing against one the top teams in the world, especially as we continue to build our squad depth.' Erasmus said his full squad was 'all aligned' on where they need to lift after losing to the Wallabies at home for the first time since 2011. 'We are still hurting from that result, and the coaches and players are extremely disappointed with the way we played last week,' he said. 'We let ourselves and the country down, so we have all the motivation we need to make things right.' The Wallabies sustained injuries in key positions and are expected to announce a match 23 on Thursday. ___ South Africa: Willie le Roux, Canan Moodie, Jesse Kriel (captain), Damian de Allende, Cheslin Kolbe, Handre Pollard, Grant Williams; Jean-Luc du Preez, Franco Mostert, Marco van Staden, Ruan Nortje, R.G. Snyman, Thomas du Toit, Malcolm Marx, Ox Nche. Reserves: Marnus van der Merwe, Boan Venter, Wilco Louw, Eben Etzebeth, Lood de Jager, Kwagga Smith, Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu. ___ AP rugby:
