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These inspections form part of the NHA’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding equine welfare, maintaining the integrity of racing, and ensuring that all runners are fit to compete.
The inspections will be conducted by NHA veterinarians and will include a comprehensive assessment of each horse’s general health, soundness, and suitability to race.
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The big-race selection panel under the chairmanship of Race Coast’s KZN Racing Executive Raf Sheik, included National Racing Bureau Manager Aveen Sewpersad, Race Coast’s Head of Racing for the Western Cape, Kurt Felix, 4Racing’s Head of Racing Operations, Gabriel Soma, vastly experienced operator consultant Luciano Passerini, and with the guidance of NHA Chief handicapper, Lennon Maharaj.
An estimated 1 105 jobs will be created and approximately R798m injected into the local economy when the 130th renewal of the great race is run on Saturday 4 July.
Launching the week leading up to Africa’s most prestigious sporting and lifestyle horseracing event, eThekwini Municipality Mayor Cyril Xaba said the city is expecting about 40 000 visitors to attend the annual spectacle.
“The Durban July weekend transforms our City into a vibrant hub of economic activity, providing a substantial boost to hotels, guesthouses, restaurants, transport operators, retailers, tourism attractions, and informal traders. It remains one of the most important economic catalysts on Durban’s annual events calendar,” said Xaba.
Race Coast Head of Major Events, Broadcast and Marketing Stephen Marshall said organisers are ready to welcome racegoers across 29 independently operated hospitality venues and VIP marquees, supported by more than 9 000 event staff and an additional 1 000 security personnel.
“While every owner, trainer, jockey, breeder, and groom dreams of winning the R10m Hollywoodbets Durban July, the event simultaneously creates opportunities across multiple sectors, supporting thousands of livelihoods and showcasing Durban on a national and international stage,” said Marshall.
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“It is a visualisation of the ‘Country Allure’ theme and acts as an inspiration for the public to see how the professionals have interpreted the theme. We hope that everyone turns out on Saturday, 4 July with their own interpretation,” said Race Coast Head of Marketing, Major Events and Broadcast, Steve Marshall.
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Hollywoodbets’ Devin Heffer chats to Deez Dayanand (Pic – Candiese Lenferna)
Hollywoodbets Brand and Communications Manager Devin Heffer said the Hollywood Group and Race Coast have continued investing in the sport through infrastructure upgrades at Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse, including new grandstands, improvements to the parade ring, upgraded roofing, enhanced sound systems, fresh paintwork, generators and large digital screens to enhance the spectator experience.