Latest news with #HollywoodbetsDurban
The Citizen
a day ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
Durban July prospects reduced to 29
Eight On Eighteen is still in after the second declaration stage. Favourite Eight on Eighteen was among 29 names remaining after the 2025 Hollywoodbets Durban July second declaration stage on Monday. The colt's connections have been umming and ahh-ing about his participation in South Africa's biggest race, to be run at Greyville in less than a month's time, but the magic lure of the July will probably see him take his place. Among the more surprising withdrawals from the July entries was Olivia's Way, who ran a cracking second in the 1800m Jubilee Handicap at Turffontein on Sunday – the last chance saloon for Joburg-based hopefuls. The flying filly was only headed by colt Immediate Edge, who rocketed into serious July reckoning with a commanding performance. Also scratched were Musical Score, Let's Go Now, Navajo Nation and Infinite Wonder – all unplaced in the Jubilee. Still in the running Among those standing their ground for the July was The Equator, the well-pedigreed Irish import, who was carded for the Jubilee but fell foul of pre-race total carbon dioxide (TCO2) testing and removed from the race. This situation is primed for controversy, given a costly purchase, contention over TCO2 tests, trainer Tony Peter's battles with stipes, a lack of further suitable proving races for The Equator and the fact that the July field is selected subjectively by a panel. Pass the popcorn. An original 61 July entries cut down to 48 at the first declaration stage on 12 May. About 30 of those 48 were in action over the past weekend, after which 19 were excised from the R5-million, Grade 1, 2200m showpiece. Gqeberha trainer Alan Greeff kept his star My Best Shot in the mix after the three-year-old strolled to victory at Fairview on Friday, completing his sixth win in a row and his 10th in 16 starts. Defending champion Oriental Charm In Durban on Saturday, July defending champion Oriental Charm was a mighty impressive runner-up to Dave The King in the Grade 1 Gold Challenge. The 1600m was short of Oriental Charm's best trip, but he showed his wellbeing and distinct liking for the Greyville run-in. Unsurprisingly, trainer James Crawford kept him in the big one. Finishing like a bullet in the Challenge was Gladatorian, who snatched third place in the blanket finish and replenished conditioner Stuart Ferrie's July dreams. See It Again finished fifth in the race, after a sluggish start and hanging, and trainer Michael Roberts might reconsider blinkers when his game old stager tackles his third July. The Cup Trial at Greyville featured 11 July entrants and it was the biggest outsider, 40-1 shot Madison Valley, who leapfrogged his more-favoured rivals and into big-race contention. The July weights will be published on 17 June, final declarations close on 23 June and the final field and draw come out on 24 June.
IOL News
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Hollywoodbets Durban July 2025: Celebrating the Marvels of Mzansi
The theme for the Hollywoodbets Durban July 2024 was 'Riding the Wave'. Image: Tumi Pakkies / Independent Newspapers From sparkling sequins to soaring feathers, the Hollywoodbets Durban July (HDJ) has long been the crown jewel of South Africa's fashion and horseracing calendar. More than just a sporting event, it's where style icons, celebrities, and trendsetters come together to dazzle, and 2025 promises to be no exception. This year's theme, 'Marvels of Mzansi,' sets the stage for a vibrant celebration of South Africa's cultural richness and breathtaking landscapes. It invites attendees to dive deep into the soul of the country and express its marvels through bold, creative fashion. Each year, the HDJ theme inspires fashionistas, young designers, and avant-garde stylists to push boundaries. Actor and model Naliyani Uma set the tone by showcasing looks from local design houses such as Zarth Designs and Martin John Bespoke. In a social media post, she reflected on the theme's deeper meaning: 'The 2025 @hollywoodbets Durban July theme is 'Marvels of Mzansi' — and what better way to capture the magic than by honouring the breathtaking landscapes of KZN and the brilliance of our homegrown fashion talent?' 'This year, we're letting Mzansi's rich culture, vibrant fashion, and iconic flavours guide our creativity at Africa's biggest Horse Racing and Social Event.' Stephen Marshall, Events and Marketing Executive at Gold Circle, shared his excitement, saying, 'Our pride in Mzansi's heritage and culture extends beyond sporting excellence; it's also reflected in the innovation, tenacity, and resilience of its people. The HDJ is more than just a major event that attracts visitors from across South Africa to KwaZulu-Natal; it provides a platform for participants to showcase their skills and talents to a highly engaged audience.' Devin Heffer, Brand and Communications Manager at Hollywoodbets, echoed the sentiment. 'The Hollywoodbets Durban July is more than just a race — it's a cultural phenomenon that unites fashion, entertainment, and world-class horse racing on an electrifying stage. As a proudly South African business, this year's theme couldn't be more fitting. It celebrates our country's rich heritage, diversity, and extraordinary achievements, all set against the vibrant energy of Durban.' The 2025 Hollywoodbets Durban July will take place on Saturday, July 5, at the Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse. With nearly 40,000 attendees expected and an economic impact that last year reached R717 million, the event continues to be a powerful driver of tourism, creativity, and national pride. Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel. IOL Lifestyle
The Citizen
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Callan puts Dave back on throne
New Aussie citizen teams up with the De Kock powerhouse. Callan Murray reckons we can be thankful he hasn't returned to South Africa with a mullet. He's been in Australia for three years and has been doing a bit of surfing – two high-risk areas for disagreeable hairstyles. Jokes aside and hair be damned, local racing fans are just thankful to have the former champion apprentice jockey – and a favourite son of the local turf – back in action in the motherland. Murray wasted no time reminding us of his prodigious talent on horseback, booting home two winners at Turffontein on Saturday in his first meeting back, then popping down to KwaZulu-Natal the next day to pilot the Equus Horse of the Year, Dave The King, to victory in the Sir Theophilus St George A Stakes at Scottsville. Murray-De Kock partnership The prodigal's return had been kept under wraps until form guides for the weekend were printed and there was much conjecture about his sudden appearance. Well-known horse owner Joao da Mata was quick on the draw with a YouTube chat with a still jet-lagged Murray and got some answers. Mathew de Kock, recently returned from a successful training sojourn in Aus, to team up with his famous father Mike, has been instrumental in the jockey's return. Mathew and Callan have long been close friends and that bond continued Downunder – even though the former was based in Melbourne and the latter in Adelaide. Indeed, Callan's brand-new engagement came via the De Kock connection, with fiancé Dani having worked as an exercise rider for Mathew in Melbourne. In seems the Murray-De Kock partnership is a firm one – albeit of indeterminate duration in this iteration. But the jock says he will be looking for other rides on good horses. For the moment, it's a 'see how it goes' situation. The move has been made possible by Callan obtaining permanent residency in Australia – ironically. If things don't work out in South Africa, he can always flit back to mulletland. Or he can bounce between the countries – and perhaps others, too. Covid and lockdowns 'From when I left SA racing to where it is today there has been a significant improvement,' Murray told Da Mata. 'The powers that be in the various provinces have done a fantastic job in getting the country back to a really good racing industry.' When a much younger-looking Murray went to Australia in August 2021, SA racing had been hammered by Covid and government lockdowns and seemed on its last legs. With a handful of Grade 1 winners under his belt, courtesy of the De Kock stable with the likes of Hawaam, Mustaaqeem and Rafeef, and riding experience in the hothouse of Hong Kong, the young man secured a contract with the South Australia racing authorities and the possibility of citizenship in a place where racing was thriving. There were winners in Aus, but the lure of being a stable jockey to a powerhouse stable like De Kock has tempted him back. No Hollywoodbets Durban July booking has been made yet, but he's looking at possibilities, with a light weight and a young horse prominent in his deliberations. Murray currently rides at a low of 56kg, but will work on 53kg with enough incentive.
