Latest news with #DurbanJuly
New Paper
4 days ago
- Sport
- New Paper
Dave The King is peaking: de Kock
DURBAN Mathew de Kock is not underestimating the formidable task facing stable star Dave The King, in his quest to achieve back-to-back victories in the ZAR1.5 million (S$109,000) Grade 1 HKJC Champions Cup (1,800m) at Greyville on July 27. After returning from a successful training stint in Australia, de Kock now trains in partnership with his father, Mike, who has accumulated the most Group 1 wins of any South African trainer. Following unplaced runs as favourite in two races at the end of his last campaign, Dave The King has won both of his races in 2025, including his most recent assignment in the Grade 1 Gold Challenge (1,600m) at Greyville on June 7. De Kock said the stable could not be happier with the five-year-old gelding, noting he has improved since his last-start victory when he again started favourite. "He has come on from his last start, which is great because it was really only his second run after a rest," said de Kock. "He seems to be peaking for this race, which is fantastic. "He won very well last year, so it looks like everything is coming together for him to kind of put in a similar performance." In his 2024 victory, Dave The King - the reigning South African Horse of the Year - cruised to the lead at the 1,000m mark and opened up a handy margin while holding off fast-finishers from back in the field. De Kock said the son of Global View was a free-striding horse with a big action and a high cruising speed, and whose strength is placing his rivals under pressure during the middle stages of races. Callan Murray, who returned from Adelaide, Australia in May, was aboard Dave The King at his last two wins. The former South African boom apprentice jockey, who had a brief stint at Kranji in 2019, has met with instant success at his return home, linking up mostly with the de Kocks. While there are only nine runners in July 27's race, de Kock said it was a tricky field. He rates Dean Kannemeyer's last-start Grade 1 Durban July (2,200m) winner, The Real Prince, as the biggest danger. "He is obviously in good form and has beaten most of the rest before, and I would probably be most worried about him from (barrier) No. 1," said de Kock. "The Durban July is our biggest race, which he won two weeks ago. It's a handicap, though. "See It Again is also a good horse on his day." Now based in Hong Kong, Keagan de Melo returns home for the ride on See It Again, who was injured ahead of the Durban July and goes into the July 27 race fresh. Kannemeyer said he did not hesitate to target the Champions Cup after The Real Prince's last start - and most significant - victory on July 5. "This Champions Cup will be his third run after a break, and it may well be that the 1,800m suits him down to the ground," he said. "We will let the others worry about us." Gladatorian finished seventh to The Real Prince, beaten five lengths in the Durban July, but the five-year-old's earlier form gives him a chance of figuring in the placings. The only three-year-old in the field is Fire Attack, who will carry 129lb (58.5kg), 3lb less than his older rivals, but has a tricky draw in barrier eight. Montien, trained by Piet Botha, is sure to have some admirers for a place at decent odds. HKJC
The Citizen
6 days ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
Striker: Exit the master jockey
Peerless Piere Strydom has finally called it a day. Trainer and old friend Sean Tarry sums it up well: 'If you want to learn how to ride racehorses, just watch Piere Strydom.' Racing fans in Gqeberha nicknamed Strydom 'Striker' early in his career – when he was starting out as a jockey in his hometown in the 1980s – because of his uncommon ability to precisely judge the pace of a race and fly up from behind to win by a whisker. His father Hekkie, a former jockey and trainer in the Windy City, lectured him from an early age about a race not being won at the 200m pole but rather at the winning post. The truth is young Strydom won a lot of races by leading all the way, utilising a coastal tailwind to get away – and stay away – from rivals. Indeed, in those days frontrunning victories were a lot rarer than they are now and Strydom was influential in major tactical changes in the game – even after he moved to Joburg in 1889/90 and took mainstream racing by storm. Spectacular career For anyone who missed it, 59-year-old Strydom announced his retirement from riding this week. He has not renewed his licence for the 2026 season and will ride his last race at the Vaal next week. The stats: six national jockey championships, four Durban Julys, seven wins on a card twice and 'five thousand, six hundred and, um, nearly twenty' career wins. The legend: one of the top two South African jockeys of all time, along with Muis Roberts. The pinnacle: beating the best jockeys and speed horses in the world aboard South Africa's J J The Jet Plane at Sha Tin in the Hong Kong Sprint in 2010. Piere Strydom after winning the 2016 Durban July on The Conglomerate. Picture: Steve Haag/Gallo Images Time to call it quits Speaking on a podcast hosted by his new employer Joao da Mata of Glistian Events, Striker said the time had come to finally hang up his saddle – after threatening to do so for a decade. 'It just came to the point where I didn't feel like getting on a horse,' he said. 'It's always nice to ride these winners, it still gives you a thrill … and knowing that you're doing the job right and to see other people happy. I've always been a competitive person, but how do I compete when I don't want to ride? 'I still do the job I need to do, but when you start thinking about the possibility of getting injured again and stuff like that you know it is time to call it.' He added that the cost of his insurance policies had also grown unsustainable. Looking ahead Strydom will keep busy in a hospitality role for Glistian – mixing with clients/guests at race days, golf days and other fun events. Racing scribes like me have written many thousands of words in praise of Piere Strydom over the decades. Racehorse owners like me have seen him win on our nags when the task looked impossible. Acquaintances such as I have always been touched by the friendliness, warmth and honesty of the man. There's not much more to say. Go well, Striker!
The Citizen
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Martell x Makubenjalo steal the show at Durban July
Martell and Makubenjalo joined forces to create a space where luxury met culture and where global prestige embraced local creativity during the Hollywoodbets Durban July. Hosted by cultural icon Lamiez Holworthy on July 5 and headlined by a genre-defining lineup including KO, Blxckie, Kelvin Momo, and the Scorpion Kings, the Martell x Makubenjalo marquee quickly became the most talked-about destination of the weekend. ALSO READ: Affordable gateway to epic entertainment and productivity Under the theme Marvelous and Class, the experience combined high fashion, bespoke hospitality and cultural celebration backed by a shared belief in the power of collaboration. Katlego 'KG' Bogatsu, the founder of Makubenjalo and Jams on Ice, said, 'We didn't want to just add Martell to the Durban July. 'We wanted to reshape the July experience entirely. Martell gave us the platform, and we brought the vision. 'Together, we created something greater than the sum of its parts, a new standard for how global brands can co-create with local communities.' Media personality, DJ and philanthropist Holworthy shared her experience, 'I've been to many Julys, but this one felt different. It wasn't just about looking the part; it was about being the part. 'The energy, the music, the people, everything was curated with purpose and passion. I was proud to host and entertain at a space that celebrated SA culture on our own terms.' She said. The partnership also demonstrated Martell's commitment to celebrating authentic SA expression, not as an afterthought but as a driving force of its luxury narrative. ALSO READ: Endless entertainment and fun on Disney Insider Prestige and High Energy at Pernod Ricard South Africa's Tintswalo Baloyi outlined that Martell's first presence at the Durban July was to show what happens when legacy meets local. 'Makubenjalo brought cultural precision, and we brought the platform and prestige. It was bold, unapologetic and deeply collaborative. That's the future of brand: storytelling.' At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Dundee July returns with fashion, music and racing glamour
The countdown has begun for the much-anticipated 20th edition of the Dundee July, taking place this Saturday at the Endumeni Racecourse in Dundee. This vibrant annual event, celebrating horse racing, high fashion and homegrown music, continues to grow in popularity and prestige. This year's theme, African Jewel, draws inspiration from the Durban July's recent Marvels of Africa concept, and is expected to attract thousands of race-goers, fashion lovers and music fans from across KwaZulu-Natal and beyond. But the Dundee July is more than just a day at the races – it has become a major cultural highlight on the provincial calendar, known for its blend of glitz, tradition and township flair. Star-studded entertainment lineup unveiled A strong lineup of artists has been confirmed, promising entertainment across a range of genres including Maskandi, Afropop, Amapiano and Gqom. According to a poster shared on social media by Maskandi star Mthandeni, the stage at the Battlefields Country Lodge arena will host a mix of chart-toppers and rising stars. Confirmed headlining acts include: DJ Tira (Afrotainment hit-maker) Kabza De Small (renowned Amapiano producer) Kelly Khumalo (award-winning AfroPop singer) Musa Keys (known for his signature smooth beats) MaWhoo (soulful vocalist) Mthandeni (Maskandi heavyweight) Mawelele and Naledi Aphiwe (up-and-coming talents) Adding glamour to the day will be media personality and former Idols South Africa judge Somizi Mhlongo, who will take the mic as master of ceremonies. Organisers say preparations are well underway, with logistics and security plans in place to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all attendees. Local fashion designers, vendors and hospitality providers are also getting ready for what many expect to be a record-breaking turnout. The annual parade will run through town on Friday, July 18 – watch the Courier's digital platforms for updates! HAVE YOUR SAY: Like our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram or email us at [email protected]. Add us on WhatsApp 071 277 1394.
The Herald
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald
Meet the designer behind the glamour of Mzansi's A-listers
From the red carpet to reality TV, Zah Makhanya is the creative genius behind some of the most iconic fashion moments in South Africa. Founder of Miracle Lux Couture by Zah, she is not only a highly sought-after fashion designer, but also a dynamic businesswoman, entrepreneur and wife whose style empire continues to grow. Zah has styled and dressed Mzansi stars including including the late kwaito legend Mshoza, veteran actress Baby Cele, rising star Lorraine Moropa, Big Brother Mzansi 's Ashley Ogley, Omuhle Gela and Zamo Dlamini. Her designs have also made appearances on popular Mzansi reality TV shows, further cementing her influence in the entertainment industry "I believe in helping women feel powerful, confident, and beautiful, not only through what they wear, but how they carry themselves. Fashion is more than fabric. It's a way of being," Zah told TshisaLIVE. "My most memorable moments must have been dressing the late Mshoza, who was always representing my brand with courage and style. I remember watching TV and seeing my dresses on the reality show. I cried and said I wish my mother was alive to witness this. She was always motivating me to work hard. Recently seeing Ashley from Big Brother Mzansi wearing my dresses at the Durban July warmed my heart. It makes me happy to see people loving and feeling great in our pieces." When Zah started in 2014, she was selling clothes and juggling a corporate job. Today she curates special designs to make women feel beautiful, confident and strong. Her flagship brand is renowned for its show-stopping gowns and sophisticated suits. "My process starts with a vision. I look at what's trending, what clients need and what makes a woman feel good. I choose quality fabrics, sketch ideas and work closely with my team to bring them to life. I'm also influenced by what I see during my travels and what people are asking for. We get many of out garments from different parts of the world and bring different styles for our clients." Expanding beyond fashion, Zah launched Zahfro Vietnam Hair, a luxury hair brand offering premium Vietnamese hair products. "Hair is part of how women express themselves. By offering the products, I'm giving women more ways to feel confident and beautiful. It's not only about looks, it's about how you feel. I used to self-test and buy quality hair products. Clients kept asking me about my hair and if I sold the products. I started Zahfro Vietnam Hair to meet the demand." Zah has plans in the pipeline to cement her name in the fashion industry. "We recently opened a store in Midrand, and we plan to expand to more areas in South Africa and even abroad. I also want to start masterclasses to help women and young girls with self-esteem and confidence through fashion. We believe with time we will be one of the biggest boutique stores in history. Our vision and aim is to make it a generational business and feed hundred of families through job creation."
