By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Africa’s greatest horse racing and social event, the Hollywoodbets Durban July, has attracted more than 40,000 spectators from across South Africa.
The event is taking place at Greyville Racecourse in Durban on Saturday, 04 July 2026.
The sun is beating down on the track, the champagne corks are popping and the racecourse has officially transformed into Africa’s most breathtaking runway.
The dress theme of Country Allure saw all the country’s leading fashion designers vying for camera-lens attention.
The colour palette dominating the grounds is a masterful homage to the South African sky and soil.
The racecourse is awash in rich chocolate browns, deep burnt terracotta, olive greens and velvety burgundies, beautifully softened by shimmering champagne, ivory and flashes of metallic gold.
The organisers said the theme invited fashion enthusiasts, designers and ordinary racegoers to embrace “a sophisticated blend of rural elegance, timeless charm and contemporary style”.
Hollywoodbets brand and communications manager Devin Heffer said the Hollywood Group and Race Coast had invested heavily into South African racing through infrastructure upgrades, including new grandstands, improvements to the parade ring, upgraded roofing, new sound systems, fresh paintwork, generators and large digital screens to enhance the spectator experience.
A superb ride by Zac Lloyd saw Magic Verse powered to victory in Race 3, handing Justin Snaith a quick double on Hollywoodbets Durban July.
The progressive performer showcased both stamina and determination to secure black-type success, adding another notable victory to an already promising résumé.
The early action on track boosted the upbeat vibe with hot favourites Sommerstern and Please Be True galloping to victory in the first two races on the card, both contested on the all-weather Polytrack.
The July – carrying a record R10-million purse for the first time, on its 130th renewal – is one of the East Coast port city’s most important events.
The racegoers were predicted to pump nearly R800 million into the local economy – via hotels, restaurants, transport operators, tourism venues an thousands of informal traders. A total of 29 hospitality venues on the course – hosting VIP guests and the betting public – provided 9 000 serving staff and 1 000 security guards.