Craig Zackey takes the ride on MAVERICK QUEEN in Race 7 (Pic – Chase Liebenberg)

Vaal (Classic), Tuesday, 24 February 2026

#	Time	Crse/Surf	Dist	Type		Bet
1	12:40	Classi/Turf	1000m	Mdn Plate		Closed
2	13:15	Classi/Turf	1000m	Mdn Plate		Closed
3	13:50	Classi/Turf	1450m	Mdn Juv Plate		Closed
4	14:25	Classi/Turf	2000m	Mdn Plate		Closed
5	15:00	Classi/Turf	2000m	Mdn Plate		Closed
6	15:35	Classi/Turf	1000m	Mid Stks		Closed
7	16:10	Classi/Turf	1000m	FM 84 HCP		Closed
8	16:45	Classi/Turf	1000m	FM 68 HCP		Closed

Wanna place your Hollywoodbets Durban July bets early and get the best odds?

The pre-nominations ante-post betting has been opened for the 2026 Hollywoodbets Durban July to be run on Saturday, 4 July 2026!

The height of the Golden Era of South African horseracing.

Suggested by horesracing fanatic Barry Toweel.

In this auspicious Year of the Horse, we're launching an epic 12-month journey to honor the very best of South African racing!

Each month, we'll release a captivating documentary spotlighting one of our iconic Grade 1 international performers – true global stars that have carried the South African flag with pride.

• 2023 - MERCANTOUR
• 2024 - ONE FELL SWOOP
• 2025 - TRUTH
• 2026 - MIAMI MOUNTAIN

The Chinese New Year officially started yesterday, 17 February 2026. This year it is the Year of the Horse.

As Lunar New Year celebrations begin around the world, 2026 ushers in the Year of the Horse—a symbol of forward movement, independence, and endurance. This year ushers in the Year of the Fire Horse — a rare, blazing return that only comes once every 60 years.

The National Geographic has an informative article about the "Horse of the Year."