Hollywoodbets Durban July: And then there were 27

The race for the Hollywoodbets Durban July 2025 title has taken a dramatic turn with the withdrawal of SA Derby winner Legend Of Arthur.

Jun 21, 2025 - 00:00
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Hollywoodbets Durban July: And then there were 27

The race for the coveted Hollywoodbets Durban July 2025 title has taken a dramatic turn with the withdrawal of SA Derby winner Legend Of Arthur, leaving only 27 contenders still in the hunt for a spot in the R5 million Grade 1 event at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Saturday, 6 July.

The final field will comprise a maximum of 18 runners plus two reserves.

Legend Of Arthur, trained by Sean Tarry and previously seen as a strong Durban July hopeful, was scratched due to a medical issue.

The three-year-old was set to be the backup ride for champion South African jockey Richard Fourie.

This latest development leaves Tarry, a two-time Durban July-winning trainer (with Pomodoro in 2012 and Heavy Metal in 2013), with just one possible runner in the shape of Litigation.

Uncertainty over Justin Snaith’s star

All eyes are now on Justin Snaith’s highly regarded colt Eight On Eighteen, whose participation remains uncertain.

Conflicting reports have circulated in recent days regarding his fitness and intended entry.

Key dates

  • Monday, 23 June: Final declarations deadline
  • Tuesday, 24 June at 11:00: Final field announcement and barrier draw live on Gallop TV
  • Thursday, 26 June at 07:00: Public gallops for KwaZulu-Natal-based horses at Hollywoodbets Greyville
    • Gates open at 06:30
    • Free coffee and pastries available for attendees

As the excitement builds, racing fans are bracing for what promises to be another thrilling edition of South Africa’s most iconic horse race.

Horses remaining in contention for Hollywoodbets Durban July

HorseMRTrainer
Future Swing117Justin Snaith
Immediate Edge108Mike / Mathew de Kock
Purple Pitcher122Robyn Klaasen
Rainbow Lorikeet111Candice Bass-Robinson
Underworld109Justin Snaith
Son Of Raj119Tony Peter
The Equator (IRE)110Tony Peter
Atticus Finch121Alec Laird
Madison Valley115Frank Robinson
Eight On Eighteen129Justin Snaith
On My Honour116Glen Kotzen
Magic Verse113Justin Snaith
Selukwe111Andre Nel
Confederate118Fabian Habib
Royal Victory125Nathan Kotzen
Beating Wings113Stuart Pettigrew
Okavango120Justin Snaith
Gladatorian127Stuart Ferrie
Litigation113Sean Tarry
Oriental Charm127James Crawford
Pomodoro’s Jet118James Crawford
Holding Thumbs107Glen Kotzen
Thunee Playa104Mano Pandaram
See It Again127Michael Roberts
Native Ruler119Justin Snaith
My Best Shot116Alan Greeff
The Real Prince120Dean Kannemeyer

Have you ever attended the Hollywoodbets Durban July?

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