Latest news with #TheRealPrince
IOL News
15 hours ago
- Entertainment
- IOL News
The Real Prince claims victory in gripping Hollywoodbets Durban July main race
The Real Prince narrowly got the better of race favourite Eight On Eighteen to win the Hollywoodbets Durban July Image: Candiese Lenferna | Race Coast The 2025 Hollywoodbets Durban July at Greyville was marked by a breathtaking finish, culminating in a hard-fought victory for The Real Prince. Ridden by Craig Zackey and trained by Dean Kannemeyer, The Real Prince triumphantly crossed the line ahead of strong challenger Eight On Eighteen, who had aimed to etch his name into the history books as the first three-year-old to win both the Gr1 WSB Cape Met and the Durban July in the same season. As the race unfolded, anticipation mixed with tension – especially for fans familiar with The Real Prince's heritage. His full brother, Gimme A Prince, was named Champion Sprinter just two seasons prior. Thus, questions arose regarding whether The Real Prince could sustain the grueling 2200m of the July. Yet, he resolutely answered those doubts during the race, taking on the favourite and prevailing in dramatic style. The early pace was spearheaded by Oriental Charm, with jockey JP van der Merwe judiciously choosing to ease into the race. The tempo was measured as van der Merwe held his position, allowing the field to remain tightly bunched. Meanwhile, Richard Fourie, aboard Eight On Eighteen, found himself shuffling through the pack, unable to achieve the preferred inside rail position. As the runners rounded the final turn, the competition intensified. Fourie made his move around the turn, surging ahead after clearing the subway, seemingly setting himself up for a victory. However, with Zackey maintaining a perfect position close to the rail, The Real Prince suddenly emerged as a formidable threat, gradually advancing on the outside with relentless stride. With the finish line in sight, the race lived up to its reputational grandeur, as both competitors appeared neck-and-neck. In an electrifying culmination, The Real Prince nudged ahead, securing his place as the undisputed champion, marking famed trainer Dean Kannemeyer's fourth win in the Durban July and a second victory for Lady Christine Laidlaw and Khaya Stables.
IOL News
19 hours ago
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Dean Kannemeyer's master plan steered The Real Prince to stunning Durban July victory
The Real Prince, ridden by Craig Zackey, was crowned king at Hollywoodbets Durban July in Greyville on Saturday. Photo: Leon Lestrade Independent Media Image: Leon Lestrade Independent Media In a thrilling display befitting his majestic name, The Real Prince captured the crown at the 129th running of the Hollywoodbets Durban July on Saturday at Greyville. The 18/1 shot delivered a performance that will be remembered for years to come and propelled master trainer Dean Kannemeyer to his fourth victory in South Africa's premier horse race. In front of an electric crowd at Greyville, the son of Gimmethegreenlight edged out race favourite Eight On Eighteen in a heart-stopping finish. After the race, Kannemeyer reflected on the strategy with a flicker of pride. 'You must come in at the right time with the right weight and the right draw — and we nailed it. This was always the plan.' 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 ✕ With a precisely executed strategy, The Real Prince surged ahead when it mattered most, overcoming a late charge from Eight On Eighteen to clinch the title. The finish left the crowd on the edge of their seats. The runner-up, trained by Justin Snaith, showcased fierce determination despite the narrow loss. A three-time Grade 1 winner, Eight On Eighteen had hoped to become the first three-year-old to win both the WSB Cape Met and the Durban July in the same season. Only five horses have achieved this prestigious double: Kommetdieding (2022), Igugu (2012), Pocket Power (2009), London News (1997), and Politician (1979). Winning jockey Craig Zackey was beaming as he reflected on his maiden Durban July triumph. 'It's incredible,' he exclaimed, giving credit to The Real Prince's class. 'I think if he had one run in between, he would have won a bit more comfortably, but there were no races that suited him, and we couldn't afford the penalty.' There had been concerns that The Real Prince might be under-raced for Saturday's showpiece, but strategic preparation proved key. 'Where were we going to place him? "The first time we tried him over a mile, he won by six lengths. Great run in the Drill Hall,' Kannemeyer added. 'If we ran him in the Gold Challenge and he came fourth, the handicapper is going to be looking for you. You must come in at the right time with the right weight — and we got the right draw.' The Real Prince propels trainer Dean Kannemeyer to his 4th @HWBDurbanJuly victory. The Real Prince proudly represented his lineage, outperforming Eight On Eighteen & honouring his family. An impeccable ride by jockey Craig Zackey. Congratulations to Khaya Stables. — Dean Kannemeyer Racing (@RaceKannemeyer) July 5, 2025
Mail & Guardian
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Mail & Guardian
The Real Prince reigns supreme at Durban July
The Real Prince narrowly got the better of race favourite Eight On Eighteen to win the Hollywoodbets Durban July. Photo: Graham Daniel/Gameplan Media A record breaking crowd of fashion enthusiasts, punters and revellers converged at Greyville Racecourse for the 2025 Hollywoodbets Durban July, the largest horseracing event in Africa, on Saturday. The event showcased a mix of high-stakes horse racing, bold fashion statements and vibrant cultural expression under the theme 'Marvels of Mzansi'. In the main event, The Real Prince delivered a decisive performance to claim victory in the Grade One R5 million race. Ridden by Craig Zackey and trained by Dean Kannemeyer, The Real Prince edged out race favourite Eight On Eighteen in a tight finish, with Selukwe in third and Royal Victory in fourth. 'The Real Prince's full brother Gimme A Prince was crowned Champion Sprinter two seasons back so there was always a question mark hanging over his ability to stay the 2200m trip of the July,' Hollywoodbets said in a statement. 'That was answered in no uncertain manner as The Real Prince fought off Eight On Eighteen who was attempting to become the first three-year-old to win the Grade One World Sports Betting Cape Met and the July in the same season.' The early race pace was set by Oriental Charm, who kept the field bunched up. Eight On Eighteen, drawn at 11, struggled to find the rail early on but surged ahead coming into the final turn. However, Zackey's measured ride on The Real Prince proved decisive as he closed the gap and edged ahead in a head-to-head finish. It was a nod of the heads at the line but Kannemeyer had his fourth July winner in the bag and his second for Lady Christine Laidlaw and Khaya Stables. Reflecting on the strategic preparation, Kannemeyer said: 'Where were we going to place him? The first time we tried him over a mile he won by six lengths. Great run in the Drill Hall.' 'If we run him in the Gold Challenge and run fourth the handicapper is going to be looking for you. You have to come in at the right time with the right weight and we got the right draw.' While the track hosted high drama, the infield was alive with fierce competition as fashionistas battled it out on the Pulse Stage. Entrants dazzled in four categories: Most Striking Couple, Classic Racewear – Female, Classic Racewear – Male, and Exceptional Raceday Hat or Fascinator. Judges Kathrin Kidger, Sandile 'The Duke' Mngadi, and Hollywood Foundation spokesperson Vuyisile Ngobese faced a tough task selecting winners from the talent pool. Durban designer Pregasen Govender made a notable comeback after six years, drawing inspiration from the Indian Ocean, traditional jewellery, Japanese design elements and local flora. 'Durban's greatness lies in its beaches and its culture,' Govender said. 'My designs are a celebration of that unique blend.' In the main fashion categories, Happiness Mkhwanazi won Classic Racewear – Female, followed by Ciara Mikkelsen and Nomonde Langa. The Classic Racewear – Male category saw Mnotho Ngema crowned winner, ahead of Siphesihle Mkhize and Athenkosi Mfungula. Pamela Shabane and Larnelle Maddocks won Most Striking Couple, with Kevin Ellis and Gareth Greaves taking second, and Kish Ramdewu and Cherilee Thangalan in third. Nirvana Nolene took the top honour in the Exceptional Raceday Hat or Fascinator category. The event also spotlighted emerging talent in the Hollywoodbets Young Designer Awards. Andile Cele from uMgungundlovu TVET College took first place with her Ndebele-inspired design influenced by Dr Esther Mahlangu. 'I am flabbergasted,' Cele said. 'This is beyond amazing.' The 2025 Hollywoodbets Durban July broke records due to its significant economic impact, with estimates by the eThekwini Municipality indicating it would contribute some R700 million to the city's GDP, while event attendance reached a peak with approximately 50,000 fans descending on the racecourse. Betting activity also set new benchmarks, with tote betting opening to record pools, including a R20 million jackpot and a R15 million Pick 6 carryover, according to Hollywoodbets.
The Citizen
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
PICTURES: Durban July a colourful affair as The Real Prince takes the win
Thousands flocked to Greyville Racecourse for the Hollywoodbets Durban July. Jockey Craig Zackey celebrates with The Real Prince after winning the Hollywoodbets Durban July at Greyville Racecourse on July 05, 2025 in Durban, South Africa. (Photo by Darren Stewart/Gallo Images)
The Citizen
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
Top 10 stories of the day: Mabuza funeral Springboks beat Italy
Here's your daily news update for Saturday, 5 July 2025: An easy-to-read selection of our top stories. In today's news update, the late former deputy president David Mabuza will be laid to rest next weekend, while the Springboks scored a 42-24 win over Italy on Saturday. Additionally, this year's Durban July horse racing event has been won by The Real Prince. Heavy rains are expected to hit the Western Cape coast on Sunday. Read the full weather forecast here. Stay up to date with The Citizen – More News, Your Way. News today: 5 July 2025 Former deputy president David Mabuza at Union Buildings in Pretoria on 19 June 2024. Picture: Gallo Images/Frennie Shivambu The family of former deputy president David Mabuza has confirmed that his funeral will take place next weekend. Mabuza died on Thursday following a short illness at the age of 64. Continue reading here Springboks battle past Italy at Loftus Kurt-Lee Arendse was one of the try-scorers for the Springboks against Italy on Saturday. Picture: Anton Geyser/Gallo Images The Springboks kicked off their 2025 Test season with a far from impressive 42-24 win against Six Nations minnows and severely weakened Italy in the first of two Tests between the nations at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on Saturday. Continue reading here The Real Prince, the real deal: Hot favourite goes down by a whisker in Durban July Spectators celebrate during the Durban July main race on 2 July 2022. Picture: Jacques Nelles The Real Prince won the 2025 Hollywoodbets Durban July at Greyville, narrowly beating hot-pot 2-1 favourite Eight On Eighteen. Ridden by Craig Zackey and trained by Dean Kannemeyer, four-year-old gelding The Real Prince started at bookmaker odds of 14-1, paid R10.30 a Win and R2.90 a Place on the TAB tote. Continue reading here Steenhuisen calls national dialogue a 'band-aid on the ANC's electoral wound' Minster of Agriculture and DA leader John Steenhuisen. Picture: Nigel Sibanda DA leader John Steenhuisen has written off the upcoming national dialogue as an ANC campaign event. The Minister of Agriculture in the government of national unity (GNU) wrote an open letter to Thabo Mbeki in response to the former president's own letter released earlier this week. Continue reading here A 'mockery' or 'flimsy attack'? ANC and DA scrap over Tshwane city manager's appointment Tshwane city manager Johann Mettler. Picture: Neil McCartney The appointment of Tshwane city manager Johann Mettler was conducted in a manner that creates a mockery of the prescripts governing the appointment of senior managers, claims the ANC. Continue reading here Here are five more stories of the day: Yesterday's News recap READ HERE: Top 10 stories of the day: Remembering Mabuza | Creecy signs licence machine deal | White and Bulls part ways
