RACE 1

(3) BONJOUR LA VILLE has run some smart races recently and will be a huge contender. (7) MIND FREEZE is making good progress with every start and should be respected, plenty scope to go well. (5) IVY can get much closer after making progress in the last start however was beaten by a big margin. (8) OLIVE OYL is another who has scope to improve and should be respected. (2) AUGUSTA ROSSO is one to watch, the yard have been in top form with their juveniles and any market support must be taken seriously. (Devonne Govender 3-7-5-8-2)

RACE 2

(8) WINTER WARFARE is holding solid form, he ran behind a smart sort and will take some beating if reproducing that last effort. (2) BLOWN AWAY ran well in the last start and a lively challenger to the top selection, respect. (10) SECRET CHOICE has scope to get much closer and should be respected. (1) ACTION AMERICA will benefit from that first run and should make improvement. (Devonne Govender 8-2-10-1)

RACE 3

(3) GRAND ALLEGRO was beaten by the second selection in his last start however he was making his provincial debut hence he should be a huge contender. (1) ASINANTANGA has been narrowly beaten in the last two starts and must be respected, big chance. (5) CHEERFUL CHARLIE B wasn’t far behind the top two selections and will be in the mix. (6) MR FOX was beaten odds on favourite in the last start and is capable of much better, so respect. (Devonne Govender 3-1-5-6)

RACE 4

(1) LUNA HALO packs plenty of class and will be tough to beat here hence she is a banker in all bets. (2) GIMME’S LASSIE is very capable and can make the frame, that last run is best ignored. (3) ESSENTIAL is capable of getting into the placings, she is a very honest type. (4) AS FATE HAS IT may be able to sneak into the quartets. (Devonne Govender 1-2-3-4)

RACE 5

Open race. (1) STRATA won a gutsy race in the last start and will be a huge runner once again. (2) DECREE is capable of much better and cannot be ignored here, he’s back on turf and will be there in the mix. (6) GUARDING THE WALL is holding consistent form having run second in the last start and a win prior to that, big chance. (8) WORDSWORTH is never far back , his recent form is very good and he will be a lively challenger. (Devonne Govender 1-2-6-8)

RACE 6

(4) SEE YOU IN A BIT is holding form well, her last run was good and she will be the narrow first selection in a very open race. (7) SMASHING is knocking on the door for another career win, her form speaks for itself so is a must include in all bets. (6) DRESSEDTOTHENINES makes the provincial debut but has scope to go well, include in everything. (12) KOMESANS PASSION ran a cracker at big odds and is worth including again. (Devonne Govender 4-7-6-12)

RACE 7

(2) BOURNEMOUTH is holding top form and will be a big runner once again in a race where many have chances. (3) ZATARA MAGIC is a very game front runner, he will be dangerous if allowed to dictate once again. (4) JOY AND PEACE is another classy individual, stable jockey Richard Fourie has interestingly chosen to ride her so this speaks volumes. (1) FIREALLEY is holding consistent form and will be in the mix once again. (Devonne Govender 2-3-4-1)

RACE 8

(2) NOTHINGELSEMATTERS is holding consistent form and will have a huge winning chance, his last run was extremely good hence he is the top selection. (1) HAARLEM wasn’t far in the last start, he will be there again. (14) FUTURE OF ENERGY has the ability to pop up in a race of this nature respectively, although he has a tough draw he will be running on strongly. (8) FEARLESS BADGER wasn’t beaten far in the last start and can get into the quartets. (Devonne Govender 2-1-14-8)

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.

The Randox Grand National meeting stages 3 days of competitive racing from Thursday 3^rd to Saturday 5^th April at Aintree Racecourse with the World’s Most Famous Steeplechase taking center stage on the Saturday. 

Aintree Grand National 2025: DAY 1 – Thursday Features Opening Day

MANIFESTO NOVICES’ CHASE GRADE 1 – RACE 1 off @ 14:45pm… There’s a Henderson-Mullins clash in the opening with Arkle winner JANGO BAIE (6) clashing with IMPAIRE ET PASSE (5). It’s a deep race with Gordon Elliott’s CROKE PARK and the Paul Nicholls-trained RUBAUD other notable runners.

BOODLES ANNIVERSARY 4yo JUVENILE HURDLE GRADE 1 – RACE 2 off @ 15:20pm… Joseph O’Brien seemingly holds a strong hand in the shape of Fred Winter winner PUTURHANDSTOGETHER (9) and NATURALLY NIMBLE (8). Mullins runs MURCIA (13) and WILLY DE HOUELLE (12), the Skelton’s saddle the exciting LIVE CONTI (6) while FILIBUSTERING (3) is another runner with the large Timeform.

AINTREE HURDLE GRADE 1 – RACE 4 off @ 16:30pm… The first day of the Randox Grand National meeting is set to serve up the clash fans were denied at the Cheltenham Festival. The 2023 Champion Hurdle winner CONSTITUTION HILL’S encounter with the Willie Mullins’ female champion LOSSIEMOUTH for the 2025 title had been long anticipated. The pair now feature along with BRIGHTERDAYSAHEAD amongst others.

Please note: TABGOLD offers Quartet pools this meeting – fractional Quartet bets can be taken.

Andrew Harrison

Former champion jockey Anthony Delpech has been on a few ‘good’ ones in his time and now as racing manager of Hollywood Racing he has been on the cutting edge of managing a large string.

Hollywood Racing is one of the leading owners in the country but Delpech has made no secret that he measures success by the number of Gr 1’s they can achieve.

South Africa’s Champion season is on the horizon and Hollywood Racing may well have come up with a strong contender for the Gr1 Gold Medallion to be run in mid-May over 1200m at Hollywoodbets Scottsville after I’m A Fireball set the track alight at the same track yesterday, giving the colt valuable experience over what can be a tricky course.

In spite of some sticky going after last week’s rain, the son of Vercingetorix simply waltz past early leader and more experienced Captain’s Pride as he quickened out of the pack to finish clear of his rival and lengths clear of the chasing opposition.

I’m A Fireball was the first winner to come out of the Ashburton Training Centre after Hollywood bought the property as a pre-training and spelling operation and also a haven for their horses that have finished their racing careers. Mathew de Kock, who saddled I’m A Fireball, said he had not much to do except polish up for this run as Jo and Trevor Brown has done much of the groundwork.

Dean Kannemeyer has hit the ground runner with his runners up from Cape Town for Champions Season. He added to Monday’s winning tally of a double and a close-up second as the filly Keukenhof romped home in the third.

“I don’t know what she beat but she could only win,” Kannemeyer commented post-race but it was certainly an eye-catching performance.

There was no shortage of confidence as Keukenhof started solidly at the top of the boards and she duly delivered in style.

If I’m A Fireball staked his claim for the Gold Medallion, Keukenhof put up her hand for the Gr1 Allan Robertson Fillies Championship.

There is still a lot of water to flow into the sea before that but these two have been first to float their boats.

Kannemeyer has arrived for the season with his powder dry and he fired another telling shot as Dancing On A Cloud came home lonely at only his second start. An Open Maiden, he was giving weight to all except O Space O, and the son of the sadly missed sire Lancaster Bomber had stable rider Craig Zackey looking both ways for opposition a furlong out as he cruised home under hands. Just how the handicappers view the win will be telling.

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!