Andrew Harrison

Recent arrivals in KZN with half-decent Cape Town form usually do well in their first local run and Gurkha fits the bill in the first at Hollywoodbets Greyville today. He was a recent arrival with Dean Kannemeyer’s string and his horses gave notice of their wellbeing last week.

Punters face a competitive card but Gurkha can get the afternoon off on a winning note although he does face some solid local opposition.

Mark Dixon saddles Master Du Rouvray who may just have needed his last effort when returning from a break and should stripe a lot fitter. Firelighter has the best of the draw and was a beaten favourite last run. MJ Odendaal’s charge looks to be in a good space. Black Platina returns from a break but was much improved last run. Wide draw but can feature.

The first leg of the Bipot is a tricky handicap but Beach Palace won well enough in a small field last run. He has been consistent of late and the stable is in form. Mariachi Madness makes the trip from the Highveld for Clinton Binda and comes with some solid recent form although over shorter. Andre Nel has reunited Rafiki with Calvin Habib and their last win was over course and distance although he does carry top weight. Veteran Cotton Ron seldom runs a bad race. He steps up a furlong in trip but does have a 4kg claimer up.

Golden Destiny could prove to be one of the better bets on the card as he has won his last two at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth and although going an extra furlong he does have the best of the draw and could still be under the handicappers radar. Tyrconnell has drawn a little deep but is seldom out of the money and should put in another good effort while Stars In Heaven goes well this trip and has a handy galloping weight although taking on stronger.

Festival Of Magic can kick-start the Pick 6 but it is a competitive handicap. Mike and Mathew de Kock’s runner has dropped in the handicap but has been taking on slightly stronger of late. He has a wide draw but cheek pieces could see him improve. Elusive Belle takes on males and if she can reproduce her penultimate run over course and distance with only 49kg to shoulder she will be dangerous.  Count Marsh has the widest draw but was touched off over the trip last time out. He gets Gavin Lerena aboard.

Field Marshal disappointed last start after a smart previous effort but he can make amends given his best form. However, Lerena has deserted Field Marshal to partner Spirit Of Levana who he rode last time out and the blinkers have been replaced by cheek pieces. Quatermain has been knocking on the door for some time now and comes with consistent Highveld form. He gets the benefit of Rachel Venniker’s 1.5kg allowance although taking on stronger. View Of The World is hardly ever out of the money and with a more experienced rider aboard cannot be ignored lightly.

Binda sends out Inafix in the sixth and the gelding won well enough over the distance last time out and only got a four-point rise in the handicap. He meets modest company and can follow up. My Siraya won first time out for Stuart Ferrie and although taking on males she is lightly raced and should have a strong chance in this line-up. Arverni Princess has not been out since August last year but had some fair form before the break. She has a handy weight and can surprise. Purple Powahouse has not won for over three years but is never far back. He was running on late last Monday and can feature prominently in this field.

Vision To Achieve is struggling for her next win but is seldom far back. She has a big weight but Paul Gadsby looks to have picked the right race for her next win. Sahara Dawn is Sean Tarry’s only runner on the day and she showed up well over course and distance last run and from a good draw should be in the shake-up. Drive By is over her best course and distance and has a 4kg claimer aboard. Stable companion Dynasty’s Last is still a battling maiden but with her light weight has a chance in this line-up.

The eighth is a seriously competitive handicap and Alyson Wright’s gelding Slytherin could fit the bill. He surprised on debut and has started at long odds in two subsequent starts. His does appear to be under the handicappers radar. Antonio Gaudi was a recent maiden winner on the Highveld recently but had steady form leading up to that win. He has the best of the draw. Who Blinked has not been far back since shedding his maiden and can feature while stable companion El Dante just needed his last run. His best form is over further but he should come on from his last effort.

Kannemeyer can book-end the meeting with Rich Folks Hoax who although he has smart Cape form over a mile he has a handy weight and could prove too classy for this line-up even over this shorter trip. Future Flo will have plenty of supporters but has been climbing the handicap steadily and got an eight-point rise in the handicap last start as the handicappers try to put him in his place. He steps up a furlong but is capable. Quandary has been in good form of late and is over his optimum trip and will be a competitive runner while Smorgasbord has been consistent and should also be competitive.

Please be advised that the race meeting scheduled for Turffontein 5th April 2025 has been postponed to Monday, 7th April 2025.

Turffontein has received an additional 12mm of rainfall over the past few days, and it is still currently raining.

The track is currently waterlogged, and the forecast for tomorrow predicts similar weather conditions to those experienced today.

Race times remain as carded.

Rugby8 Win Margin C/Over: R 57 342 on Friday 4 April 2025. Pool Closes at 21h00. Sport 65 Pool 1.

Soccer10 ADD-IN: R200 000 on Friday 4 April 2025. Pool Closes at 19h30. Sport 12 and Pool 1.  Estimated Pool: R2 Million.

Soccer4 ADD-IN: R25 000 on Saturday 5 April 2025. Pool Closes at 16h00. Sport 18 and Pool 2. Estimated Pool: R100 000.

Soccer13 Guaranteed Jackpot on Saturday. 5 April 2025. Guaranteed Pool: R35 Million 13 of 13. Pool Closes at 15h30. Sport 10 and Pool 1.

Soccer10 ADD-IN: R200 000 on Saturday. 5 April 2025. Pool Closes at 15h00, Sport 15 and Pool 1. Estimated Pool: R2 Million.

Soccer Any 13Xtra C/Over R200 000 on Saturday 5 April 2025. Pool Closes at 13h30. Sport 13 and Pool 1. Estimated Pool: R500 000.

Soccer6 ADD-IN: R75 000 on Sunday. 6 April 2025. Pool Closes at 15h00. Sport 2 and Pool 1. Estimated Pool: R400 000.

The Dubai World Cup is one of the world’s most prestigious horse racing events. This year, Saturday’s meeting at Meydan Racecourse in Dubai is part of the World Pool, a global betting collaboration that provides more competitive dividends. 

The Hong Kong Jockey Club will host Races 3 to 9 under the World Pool banner offering the following bets: Win, Place, Swinger, Quinella, Exacta

Commingled pools Races 1&2: Win, Place, Swinger, Quinella, Exacta, Trifecta, Quartet, Double & Jackpot on race 2.

Commingled pools Races 3-9; Quartet, Double and Jackpot on race 6.

SA pools – Trifecta races 3-9 and PA on race 3.

The Dubai World Cup is not only a highlight of the UAE’s sporting calendar but also a focal point for the international racing community. With participants and spectators converging from around the globe. The event epitomizes the spirit of competition and camaraderie in the world of horse racing.

The Dubai World Cup 2025 is the 29th edition and is set to deliver an unparalleled experience of elite horse racing combined with world-class entertainment. Scheduled for Saturday, April 5, 2025, at the iconic Meydan Racecourse in Dubai, this event stands as a pinnacle in the global horse racing calendar with a total prize money of $30.5 million across nine races with the feature race being the Dubai World Cup with a purse of $12 million.

In response to unforeseen weather forecasts, the Dubai Racing Club has announced a revised schedule to ensure the comfort and safety of all participants and attendees. The first race will now commence at 14:35 South African time, with the marquee Dubai World Cup race slated for 19:30. This adjustment aims to mitigate the impact of anticipated hot weather conditions.

South African interests lie with Isivunguvungu who will line up in the $1.5 million Gr1 Al Quoz Sprint over 1200m on the turf. Trainer Graham Motion, who won the Dubai World Cup back in 2013 with Animal Kingdom, has high hopes for the Hollywood Racing owned gelding. Motion reports that Isivunguvungu ‘couldn’t be doing better’ since his arrival in Dubai. He has drawn seven and the race is due off at 18.20 local time.

The 2025 line-up features an impressive array of international talent, including:

Romantic Warrior: Hong Kong’s highest-earning horse, renowned for his remarkable performances on the international stage.

Forever Young: The Japanese Derby winner who recently triumphed at the Saudi Cup, showcasing exceptional form.

Sierra Leone: The 2024 Breeders’ Cup Classic champion from the United States, adding depth to the competition.

These elite competitors underscore the event’s global prestige and the high calibre of racing anticipated.

Durban, South Africa – The countdown has begun! The 129th edition of Africa’s premier horse racing and social spectacular, the Hollywoodbets Durban July (HDJ), is set to take place on Saturday, 5th July 2025, at the iconic Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse. As the most anticipated fixture on South Africa’s racing calendar, the event seamlessly blends world-class horse racing with high fashion, entertainment, and a memorable social experience.

Staying true to the theme of “Marvels of Mzansi,” this year’s racing extravaganza promises an iconic line-up of South African talent, featuring a diverse array of artists set to captivate all attendees throughout the day. The national anthem will be beautifully performed by one of the country’s leading songstresses – look out for the reveal in May. With these performances, the thousands of attendees expected at Hollywoodbets Greyville will have a memorable experience. Stay tuned for the full artist line-up. All ticket holders can look forward to a day filled with live entertainment that will be talked about for years to come, as this year’s HDJ celebrates Mzansi’s vibrant spirit. 

Tickets for this outstanding event are now officially on sale via Ticketpro (www.ticketpro.co.za). Priced at R230 for general admission, your ticket grants access to a day of thrilling racing action, live entertainment, fashion showcases, gourmet food experiences, and an array of engaging activations from event partners. For added convenience, onsite parking is available for R170 per vehicle.

For those seeking an elevated experience, the VIP hospitality packages provide exclusive access to luxurious enclosures, premium viewing areas, and top-tier catering. These options can be explored on the official event website (www.hollywoodbetsdurbanjuly.co.za). Please note that VIP hospitality packages do not include general admission tickets, which must be purchased separately via Ticketpro.

This year’s theme, “Marvels Of Mzansi”, was unveiled in late February, marking the official commencement of the Hollywoodbets Durban July Fashion Experience, presented by Durban Fashion Fair. The fashion programme includes the much-anticipated HDJ Young Designer Award, showcasing the best up-and-coming talents from KwaZulu-Natal. The winners will share the spotlight with the HDJ Invited Designers and DFF Rising Stars at the HDJ Fashion Preview Gala, set to take place at Gateway Theatre of Shopping in late June.

Racing enthusiasts can also look forward to the announcement of the first official entrants on Wednesday, 23 April 2025. With last year’s champion, Oriental Charm, emerging as the early ante-post favourite, excitement is already building. 

Secure your tickets today and experience Africa’s greatest horse racing and social event, the Hollywoodbets Durban July!