In what will be a boost for the big race on 6 July, Wilgerbosdrift Bridget Oppenheimer Gr2 SA Oaks star Frances Ethel is now set to take her place in the Hollywoodbets Gr1 Durban July, following a change of heart by Team Valor International CEO Barry Irwin.
Frances Ethel – will take her place in Hollywoodbets Durban July (Pic – JC Photos)
The TVI boss said: “After chatting at length to James Crawford and a few of my racing partners, it has been decided to let the filly have a run in the big race.
“Initially my plans were to get her off to Europe, then either to America or Australia on the first flight out. However, it seems that all of the bureaucratic hurdles have not yet been scaled and the flight will allow the filly to race once more in South Africa.
“James particularly is bullish to give it a go with the filly. He says that while the assignment of racing against seasoned older males is a daunting one, he feels that under 52 kilos and over an additional furlong from her last race will aid her chances.
“As for the owners, we feel the filly didn’t get to run her race in the Woolavington and we would like to depart South African shores with a better profile for the horse itself and a better feeling for the racing partners.”
Kabelo Mutsanyane will retain the mount on the exciting 3yo daughter of Ridgemont champion, Rafeef.
The Hollywoodbets Durban July timeline:
- Second declarations close at 11h00 on Monday 3 June.
- Final supplementary entries close at 11h00 on Tuesday 18 June.
- Weights will be published on Tuesday 18 June.
- Final declarations close at 11h00 on Monday 24 June.
- Final Field and Draw – announcement of the Final Field and Barrier Draws will be on Tuesday 25 June.
