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.

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!

Please Note: From December, Unit cost of all Soccer10 Pools closing on Wednesdays will be R3.

The R3 unit cost on Wednesdays is on a trial basis only & follows requests from many customers to increase the Soccer10 Unit.

The unit cost of Soccer10 Pools on all other days remains R2.

All systems go on 1 January 2025

Horseracing in KwaZulu-Natal took the next step to the dawn of a new era with the publication on Thursday of a revitalized racing programme and the news of the introduction of incentives and stakes adjustments that will align the province with the status quo in the Cape.

The introduction of the new-look programme and policies on the East Coast comes into play as a result of the proposed acquisition of Gold Circle by the Hollywood Sportsbook Holdings group, which now hinges on the required approval of the KZN Economic Regulatory Authority (KZNERA).

Whilst the outstanding approval of the KZNERA is critical to the transaction, and will be the final step in transferring ownership, Hollywoodbets and its appointed Chairman Designate of Gold Circle, Greg Bortz are in management and strategic decisions during the interim period, with Hollywoodbets investing funds at its own risk to ensure the continuity of horse racing in KZN, and the survival of Gold Circle.

Programme and related reading matter, click here.

Subject to the fulfillment of other outstanding conditions precedent, the deal effectively unlocks a R500 million rescue injection from Hollywoodbets, and a takeover of the sport in the holiday province, which is set to include track upgrades and other infrastructural and operational initiatives.

The new KZN programme covers the period 1 January to 28 February 2025 and introduces the stakes-boosted class racing structure to the province, while unveiling financial incentives via the RaceCoast incentive scheme with the ultimate aim of improving racehorse ownership in KZN and achieving enhanced field sizes with the knock-on vital lifeblood of increased betting turnovers.

Down South, the RaceCape incentive programme has proven a winner and has underscored the unprecedented turnaround in Cape horseracing by providing further opportunities for the local racing community and increased employment prospects for grooms and work riders, as well as raising the bar for all related and ancillary horse racing services.

“We are very excited about future plans for KZN racing,” Cape Racing Executive: Racing & Bloodstock Justin Vermaak told the Sporting Post on Thursday, as he outlined broad plans to revolutionise the appeal of the sport across the board for all stakeholders in KZN.

“We need to provide owners and trainers with an even and attractive playing field that makes them want to race. Stakes and rewards need to be meaningful. That ultimately leads to better field sizes, more exciting racing and improved betting turnovers. Punters are key to the success of the process. We are implementing a first world reform in terms of transparency when it comes to information. Items like horse weights, for example, will be published. They are, after all, a form assessment tool. Horses working at our training centres and tracks will all have easily identifiable bar-coded saddle-cloths. So, there are no secrets. If Oriental Charm or One Stripe is on track, the public will share in it,” added Vermaak, who confirmed that barrier draws after acceptance was another operational change which would be implemented on 1 January 2025.

Veteran KZN trainer Garth Puller, who attended a recent stakeholder’s meeting at Summerveld hosted by Greg Bortz, Justin Vermaak, Gold Circle and Hollywoodbets officials, enthused that he was thrilled by the news of the takeover by business-minded racing people who were brave and bold enough to step in and turn the ship around.

“This has come very late for me at my age, but it’s a lifechanger and the future is brighter than it was yesterday,” reflected a delighted Puller as he told the Sporting Post that the adjusted stakes and ‘very welcome’ incentives would boost cash-flows,  while also making it so much easier to help him and his colleagues market the basic ownership product.

“And we are getting draws after acceptances. Wonderful! I was calling for that 25 years ago at Hollywoodbets Durbanville. Bigger fields mean a faster pace, means better form, means better truer results. It’s an ecosystem of positivity. It all feeds on itself,” added the horseman who is never scared to pass an opinion.

Puller said the repair of the Polytrack at Hollywoodbets Greyville was ‘definitely quite overdue and welcome news’.

“That’s our stage. The track must be safe for horse and rider, be true and competitive, and have credibility with all role-players. That’s not a negotiable.”

On the ‘abolition’ of the committee structure to facilitate decision making and policy, Puller said that he was so pleased to hear that all reasonable suggestions will be considered by management.

“Wonderful! So there are no more long-winded committees to hide behind and to dither over. How refreshing.  I believe every stakeholder in this sport in KZN needs to doff a cap to Hollywoodbets and Mr Bortz. This investment and takeover is a brave move. But we know that with the passion for horse racing of the local population in this province, we can make it work. And by putting the structures in place they are making sure we have no excuses. Let’s look forward and get on with rebuilding KZN racing. I am absolutely thrilled. This is good news,” he concluded.