The unfolding spectacle of the 126th renewal of Africa’s Greatest Horseracing extravaganza, the R5 million Gr1 Hollywoodbets Durban July, will reach the official launch pad on Wednesday 20 April when first entries are announced for the 2200m championship to be run at Hollywoodbets Greyville on 2 July.
The entries announcement will be made shortly after 13h00 on Wednesday on GallopTv and Racing 240, and heralds the start of a journey towards the climax shortly after 16h00 on 2 July for many owners bidding to lift horseracing’s ultimate prize.
As is the case with any sport at the highest level, competition is tough, and with two reserves in the final field, a maximum of eighteen runners will line up to face the starter.
The 2021 Durban July canter-past, courtesy of Gavin Lerena and Kommetdieding (Pic – Candiese Lenferna)
Africa’s richest graded stakes race, sponsored for the first time by South Africa’s international sportsbook operator, Hollywoodbets, is again expected to be contested by the cream of our thoroughbred crop, including three past winners in Do It Again (2018/2019), Belgarion (2020) and defending champion, and current SA Horse Of The Year elect, Kommetdieding.
It is very possible that we could also see the unique position of the entry list boasting two SA Triple Tiara winners in War Of Athena and current incumbent, Rain In Holland.
War Of Athena – will she make a return to action? (Pic – JC Photos)
The last time a fairer sex galloper won the Durban July was 2011, when the superstar Igugu produced the magic for Mike de Kock and Anthony Delpech.
The R5 million stakes on offer this year is the highest in the history of the prestigious race and cheques will be paid down to tenth finisher, with the winner banking R2 940 000.
Given the structure of the build-up to the big race over ten exciting weeks, racing fans will be able to use the regular big race logs published by the racing operator and handicappers as a handy reference when considering their Hollywoodbets Durban July ante-post betting options.
Looking ahead, first declarations for the big race close at 11h00 on Monday 9 May, with first supplementary entries closing at 11h00 on Tuesday 10 May.
Second declarations are due by 11h00 on Monday 30 May.
Connections will have a final chance to live every owner, trainer and breeders’ dream when final supplementary entries close at 11h00 on Tuesday 14 June.
The big race weights will be published on Tuesday, 14 June.
Final declarations close at 11h00 on Monday, 20 June.
The announcement of the Final Field and Barrier Draws will take place on Tuesday, 21 June.
For all you need to know about the 2022 Hollywoodbets Durban July, please visit www.hollywoodbetsdurbanjuly.co.za for the latest on the event, the build-up to the big day, the hospitality, the fashion theme – and more!
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