HollywoodBets Durban July

The celebrated roll of honour belongs to Campanajo (1897/98), Corriecrian (1907/1908), Milesia Pride (1949/50), El Picha (1999/2000) and Do It Again (2018/19).

In keeping with the 2024 HollywoodBets Durban July theme of “Ride The Wave”, there was a wave of ante-post betting on the sponsor’s book for Winchester Mansion and See It Again, who placed first and second last year. The tenacious Kabelo Matsunyane guided the ever-majestic Winchester Mansion to victory over hometown favourite See It Again in one of the most memorable finishes the Durban July has seen.

Matsunyane feels Winchester Mansion is up for it again: “I think he is capable of defending the title.”

Five-time Durban July winning trainer has four runners in this year’s race, including the tenacious Future Swing, the WSB Cape Town Met winner Double Superlative, reserve winner Hluhluwe, and Without Question.

The significance with the latter is that Without Question will be partnered by female jockey Rachel Venniker. The former Champion Apprentice who has well held her own against the men, will become the first female rider to have a ride in the 128-year history of the Durban July. Her mount is currently at a tempting 25/1, and will be sure to receive the lion’s share of the fairer sex betting support on the day.

At the time of writing, Hollywoodbets have priced up the Dean Kannemeyer-trained Green With Envy as the 4/1 favourite for the 128th running of the Durban July.

When the cream of the county’s middle-distance gallopers line up for a crack at the R5-million stakes purse, it is likely the 2024 crowd will be more than the 45 000 punters and fashionistas at last year’s event.

Last year, the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality announced that the Durban July boosted the economic and tourism sector by about R65-million.