RACE 1

3 BERRINGTON BLEW   4 CAPTAIN’S PRIDE   13 BLACK FROST   12 I’M A FIREBALL

Summary: Mostly first timers but of those that have run, BERRINGTON BLEW (3) made a smart debut at long odds on debut over 1000m but was second best when going a furlong further next run. He can go one better over this trip. BLACK FROST (13) has had three bits at the cherry and shows some ability with a runner-up berth last time out behind the promising Treaty Of Paris. CAPTAIN’S PRIDE (4) has been placed in both of her outings and can make an impression. Watch the betting on the first timers. (Andrew Harrison: 3-4-13-12).

RACE 2

2 TREASURE ISLAND   8 MALSHANA MOU   3 LIMITLESS SKY   4 BLONDE BOMBSHELL

Summary: TREASURE ISLAND (2) has finished close up in both starts and given the experience she rates the horse to beat. MALSHANA MOU (8) found some market support on debut but raced very green. She comes from a yard that knows how to set up juveniles. LIMITLESS SKY (3) was a distance third last run and can improve. (Andrew Harrison: 2-8-3-4).

RACE 3

1 MISS DANON   2 MOSCOW MISS   3 MRSGLITTERSPARKLES   5 KEUKENHOF

Summary: Tough opener for the PA. Less than a length separated MISS DANON (1) and MOSCOW MISS (2) when both were making their debut. They were still six lengths adrift of the winner but experience could count. The balance that have run have shown little but can improve. A race to watch in the betting. (Andrew Harrison: 1-2-3-5).

RACE 4

6 LONG STREET   11 AUSTRIAN BEAUTY   8 YOUR LADYSHIP   3 LIGHTINTHEDARKNESS

Summary: Modest field of maidens. LONG STREET (6)was a beaten favourite last run and has not been far back at her last two. Battling but must have a decent chance in this line-up. AUSTRIAN BEAUTY (11) has been making steady progress and although carrying top weight she has a good chance of making the frame.  YOUR LADYSHIP (8) was a long way back when making her debut at Hollywoodbets Durbanville but can do better here. LIGHTINTHEDARKNESS (3) is another struggler but has a money chance on her best effort. (Andrew Harrison: 6-11-8-3).

RACE 5

1 ROYAL MERMAID   10 CALL ME HARRIET  7 UMZOLOZOLO   3 ROY’S GRACE   

Summary: ROYAL MERMAID (1) is lightly raced and her best effort was on the turf. From a good draw she must have a strong chance in another moderate line-up.  CALL ME HARRIET (100 was disappointing on the poly last run but started at long odds.. She was runner-up to the smart Mocha Blend at her penultimate start which puts her in with a big chance here. UMZOLOZOLO (7) has shown some ability. She was not far back at her last two and the step up in trip could suit. ROY’S GRACE (3) jumps in trip but has shown ability over shorter. She must have a strong chance if she stays the extra. (Andrew Harrison: 1-10-7-3).

RACE 6

2 DANCING ON A CLOUD   4 GREEN MILE   7 O SPCE O   10 DEE DAY

Summary: DANCING ON A CLOUD (2) made a promising debut and was well supported in the market. If he comes on from that run he should make a bold bid in spite of top weight. GREEN MILE (4) has been knocking on the door for some time now. He goes well this trip and will be a runner. O SPACE O (7) was a beaten favourite last run after a smart local debut. Both starts were over course and distance in blinkers and he should feature again. DEE DAY (10) is seldom far off them and can feature with this weight. (Andrew Harrison: 2-4-7-10).

RACE 7

2 FIREBURST   11 ICY LANCASTER   1 FAIZAH   4 GRAND OCCASION

Summary: FIREBURST (2) has come to hand nicely at recent outings. She has a favourable draw and a handy galloping weight. FAIZAH (1) has a 4kg claimer aboard but was close-up from a tough draw last run and is now drawn pole. Stable companion ICY LANCASTER (11) has drawn widest but showed some improvement last outing and this could well be her trip. GRAND OCCASION (4) shed her maiden over this distance and can do better than her last effort in soft ground. (Andrew Harrison: 2-11-1-4).

RACE 8

4 ROMAN AGENT   7 GO GRAYSON GO   1 STANLEY PARK   3 AGRADO

Summary: The grey ROMAN AGENT (4) makes his debut for a new stable with first time blinkers. He comes of some fairly useful Cape Town form in feature company and he could prove too good in this line-up. GO GRAYSON GO (7) is smart but all of his recent form has been over a mile. He has been a beaten favourite at his last two but the drop in trip could suit in this company. STANLEY PARK (1) goes well over course and distance and should be competitive with a 4kg claimer aboard. AGRADO (3) is seldom far back and was not disgraced when trying further from a wide draw although the winner started at long odds. (Andrew Harrison: 4-7-1-3).

RACE 9

2 GOLDEN CHANDELIER    8 RUGGER LOVER   3 MIA’S ATHENA   6 HURRICANE CAT

Summary: Tricky end to the Pick 6. GOLDEN CHANDELIER (2) makes her debut for a new stable. She has been off the boil for some time now but showed plenty of early potential. If back to be she could be hard to beat but the betting could tell a story. RUGGER LOVER (8) is a hard-knocker  and will be there to pick up the pieced. MIA’S ATHENA (3) was highly regarded early in her career but has had problems. She returns from a long break but could surprise. HURRICANE CAT (6) is quick and over her best trip. (Andrew Harrison: 2-8-3-6).

RACE 10

1 WISSA’S ON FIRE   11 LEXICAN POINT   6 INGQWELE   2 DAPPER

Summary: WISSA’S ON FIRE (1) was narrowly beaten when making is local debut and can go one better over the extra furlong. LEXICAN POINT (11) makes his local debut for a new stable and comes with some fair Cape form. Definitely one to watch in the market. INGQWELE (6) showed up well when making a return after a break. He has started favourite on many occasions when trying further but could prove more competitive over sprints. DAPPER (2) makes his debut for his new stable. He was not far back over course and distance last time out when dropping in trip and can feature. (Andrew Harrison: 1-11-6-2).

Andrew Harrison

Punters face a hugely competitive ten-race card at Hollywoodbets Scottsville today, a card littered with maidens and lower class handicaps. The meeting was rescheduled from Sunday and hopefully the weather plays ball. 

The first two juvenile races on the card have many unraced horses in the line-up so it will be well to tread carefully but there may be opportunity later in the afternoon.

A better bet on the card could be the grey Roman Agent. He has not quite lived up to the performances of some of his illustrious siblings but makes his debut for Kom Naidoo in the eighth with first time blinkers. He comes off some fairly useful Cape Town form in feature company and he could prove too good in this line-up if up if match fit. 

Biggest threat could come from the Frikkie Greyling-trained Go Grayson Go. He is smart but all of his recent form has been over a mile. He has been a beaten favourite at his last two but the drop in trip could suit in this company. Of the balance Stanley Park and Agrado make most appeal.

Dean Kannemeyer is back in town after his time in Cape Town for their Summer Season where he landed some healthy feature race blows. He sends out the lightly raced Dancing On A Cloud in the sixth after the colt made a promising debut and was well supported in the market. If he comes on from that run he should make a bold bid in spite of top weight. Green Mile has been knocking on the door for some time now and Andre Nel’s gelding goes well this trip and will be a runner while MJ Odendaal saddles another competitive runner in O Space O who was a beaten favourite last run after a smart local debut. Both starts were over course and distance in blinkers and he should feature in the money again. 

Mike and Mathew de Kock struck with Oxalis Gold on Monday and Fireburst could fire a salvo in the seventh as their filly  has come to hand nicely at recent outings. She has a favourable draw and a handy galloping weight which makes a lot of appeal. Faizah has a 4kg claimer aboard for Gareth van Zyl and was close-up from a tough draw last run. She is now drawn pole. Stable companion Icy Lancaster shed her maiden over this distance and can do better than her last effort in soft ground. 

There is a tricky end to the Pick 6. Golden Chandelier makes her debut for Dennis Bosch but has been off the boil for some time now. However, she showed plenty of early potential and if back to best she could be hard to beat but the betting could tell a story. Rugger Lover is a hard-knocker  and will be there to pick up the pieces while Mia’s Athena was highly regarded by Duncan Howells early in her career but had debilitating physical problems. She returns from a long break and if over her issues she could surprise. 

The first two legs of the Pick 6 are tricky events with little form to work on.

The open leg sees a modest field of maidens face the starter but long-time battler Long Street was a beaten favourite last run and has not been far back at her last two. Battling but must have a decent chance in this line-up. Austrian Beauty has been making steady progress for Michael Roberts and although carrying top weight she has a good chance of making the frame.  Your Ladyship was a long way back when making her debut at Hollywoodbets Durbanville but can do better with a change of scenery.

Alyson Wright had a good afternoon at Hollywoodbets Greyville a week ago and saddles Royal Mermaid in the fifth. She is lightly raced and her best effort was on the turf with two modest poly runs behind her name. From a good draw she must have a strong chance in another moderate line-up.  Call Me Harriet was disappointing on the poly last run but started at long odds. She was runner-up to the smart Mocha Blend at her penultimate start which puts her in with a chance. Umzolozolo has shown some ability and was not far back at her last two and the step up in trip could suit while Roy’s Grace jumps in trip but has shown ability over shorter. She must have a chance if she stays the extra.

The National Horseracing Authority of Southern Africa (NHA) confirms that the Inquiry into the incident involving Jockey Gavin Lerena (GIMME A STORM) and Jockey Jason Gates (BLURRED VISION) that commenced on 21 February 2025 and adjourned to 24 March 2025, was finalised yesterday.

 Jockey Gavin Lerena

Jockey Gavin Lerena was charged with the following contraventions of:

 1)        Rule 62.2.2 read with Rules 62.2.3 and 72.1.25

 In that he rode GIMME A STORM in an unprofessional manner by changing his riding style by stopping riding, standing up in the stirrup irons and striking Jockey Jason Gates across his back with his crop on at least two occasions in the running.

 Jockey Gavin Lerena entered a plea of guilty to contraventions of Rules 62.2.2 and 72.1.25 and not guilty to a contravention of Rule 62.2.3.

 2)        Rule 72.1.26

 In that as the rider of GIMME A STORM he behaved and conducted himself in a manner which has or might have the effect of discrediting horseracing, or which does or might bring into disrepute the good name of the NHA or relevant Racing Operator.

 Jockey Lerena entered a plea of not guilty to a charge of Rule 72.1.26.

 The Inquiry Board found Jockey Lerena guilty of the charges incorporating the contraventions and imposed the following penalties:

 1)        Jockey Lerena was suspended from riding in races for a period of ninety (90) days of which sixty (60) days is wholly suspended on condition that he is not found guilty of a contravention of these Rules for a period of two years.

 2)        Jockey Lerena was fined the amount of R200 000 of which R100 000 is suspended on condition that he is not found guilty of a contravention of Rule 72.1.26 for a period of two years.

 Jockey Lerena has the right of appeal regarding both the findings and penalties that were imposed.

 Jockey Jason Gates

 Jockey Jason Gates was charged with a contravention of Rule 62.2.4 in that he rode BLURRED VISION in a careless, negligent, reckless or dangerous manner by intentionally striking the crop out of Jockey Lerena’s hand in the closing stages of this race.

 Jockey Gates entered a plea of not guilty but was found guilty to the charge.

 Jockey Gates was fined the amount of R10 000, of which R5 000 is suspended on condition that he is not found guilty of a contravention of Rule 62.2.4 for a period of two years.

 Jockey Gates has the right of appeal against the finding and penalty that were imposed.

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!

Andrew Harrison

When Mike de Kock and son Mathew decided to give the Gr3 Umzimkhulu Stakes a miss with their filly Oxalis Gold in favour of taking on some useful males in the Gr3 Byerley Turk, it must have rung some warning bells with the opposition and indeed punters alike.

Speaking in his post-race interview, Mathew said a wide barrier draw in the Umzimkhulu had influenced their decision to take on males but in hindsight I think it was a cheap sell given that Oxalis Gold would have been up against Gimme’s Countess and Green Sapphire in the Umzimkhulu.  

Whatever the thinking, it was a master stroke as Oxalis Gold made short work of her male opposition and staking a Gr2 Fillies Guineas claim in emphatic fashion. 

At no stage in the race did she look under pressure and went to the line under hands and heels from Kabelo Matsunyane with Cats Pajamas running on stoutly under replacement rider Rachel Venniker with O’Tenikwa a gallant third. 

Serino Moodley was never able to get O’Tenikwa’s head down and settled as Andre Nel’s runner raced head-up and barely under control in the early exchanges so it was a run best ignored. 

Sean Tarry has had a relatively quiet start to the season but things are looking up for the former champion trainer as Legend Of Arthur was given a masterful ride by Richard Fourie to win the Gr1 SA Derby at Turffontein on Saturday and Gavin Lerena was penciled in to ride Green Sapphire in the Gr3 Umzimkhulu Stakes yesterday.

However, Lerena was tied up in an inquiry and S’Manga Khumalo did the honours and rode a superb tactical race. Tarry illuded to post-race that there was no plan to go to the front, but from a good break and all reluctant to go forward, Khumalo had little option but to make the pace and he timed it to perfection.

Green Sapphire kicked smartly at the top of the straight and was never in danger of defeat in spite of favourite Gimme’s Countess making up a lot of ground from off the pace.

It was a good run from both fillies and all going well, the Gr2 Fillies Guineas must be on their radar.

Dean Kannemeyer’s Cape Town contingent arrived in good order last week and they were quick off the mark as Give Me Everything opened up what can be considered Kannemeyer’s start to South Africa’s Champions Season.

Apprentice Jacey Botes aboard the lightly weighted Forward Motion tried his best to pull the sting out of hot favourite Give Me Everything in the opening leg of the Pick 6, but Dean Kannemeyer’s filly has plenty of class. Aiming for four-on-the-trot, Craig Zackey had Give Me Everything  well off the pace turning for home but she quickened like a smart filly to collar Paul Lafferty’s charge who stayed on gamely. The now Gr2 Woolavington 2000 looks tailor-made.

Kannemeyer was back in the winner’s box a race later as Teflon Man put in a smart performance to land the KwaZulu-Natal Stakes in spite of casting a shoe in running. Not all went to plan according to rider Craig Zackey as the filly Celtic Beauty, dropping back to a sprint, set the early fractions at a rather pedestrian pace. 

Towards the back of the field turning for home, Zackey navigated Teflon Man through the traffic to hit the front and hold off a determined late challenge from African Skyline and stable companion Mister Master Starter.

Catavar finally got the maiden monkey off his back as Tony Rivalland’s charge led from the jump to land the card opener at 17^th time of asking.  It was not all plain sailing as the gelding didn’t look too keen under pressure as he shifted both ways. Jabu Jacobs was hard pressed to keep him straight but fortunate that they we well clear of second-placed Firelighter.

Now I Got You landed the honours for favourite backers and Nathan Kotzen as apprentice Brevan Plaatjies got a dream split one off the rail to sweep past longtime leader Glamorz to open the bi-pot.

Bevies Delight has added many grey hairs to Peter Muscutt’s thinning crown as she has not been the easiest to train. However, he picked the right replacement rider in Rachel Venniker who handled the filly superbly in the gate and kudos to the starter who pulled the gate at exactly the right time.

Bevies Delight took on leader Convocation over the final furlong but always looked to have the upper hand.

Favourite Shipholia put in a below par performance and was beaten early in the straight.

Two G’s and Colorado Creek were involved in a bruising duel to the line in the eighth with Khumalo extracting maximum out of Gareth van Zyl’s runner to get him over the line ahead of a late charging Colorado Creek who ran a cracked from his outside draw to finish runner-up again.

Apprentice Mxolisi Mbuto rode a cracker to round off the meeting as the 4kg claimer punched Tara’s Star out from a wide barrier to take on the well-drawn Happy Analia, the two making the pace ahead of a big field.

The pair were head-and-head for most of the race with Mbuto staying well off the rail and went for home first, punching out under hands and pinching a slight advantage. The vastly experience Matsunyane waited for a final kick and although Happy Analia responded, Mbuto, without resorting to the sick, kept punching away with Darryl Moore’s filly responding to get home by a narrow margin for her fourth career win.