Durban July Preview

Article by Rodger Jones

The biggest race in the South African racing calendar, the Durban July Handicap will take place at Greyville on Saturday, July 3rd. Sponsored by Vodacom once more this year, the race will have no audience due to Covid 19. Under normal conditions, this would be one of the social highlights of the year and certainly the place to be seen. This year, as with last, the horses rightfully will be the superstars on the day. The horses will face the starter at 3:00pm

Saturday, July 3rd will see the 125th running of the Durban July Handicap. The race first launched in 1897 and unlike many others, was unaffected by wartime. The first race was run over 1600m and changed several times until 1970 when it was finalized at 2200m, the current length. Four horses have won the race back to back with the most recent, DO IT AGAIN, won in 2018 and 2019.

Two horses have run the race five times, with BEAU ART winning in 1980 and GONDOLIER finally winning in 1985. On the training front, Sydney Laird won the event seven times while the legendary Terrance Millard managed six victories. Anton Markus is the most winningest jockey, having crossed the line first no fewer than five times between 1993 and 2018.

Eighteen runners will face the starter on Saturday, July 3rd at Greyville for a winner's purse of R2.5 Million. There will also be two reserves in case of any late withdrawals. The race in total will shell out R4.2 Million, well in line with previous years. The home province will provide just three runners in the race this year. Nine will travel from the Cape and six from Gauteng.

Cape Town-based trainer Justin Snaith is looking for his fourth win in the July in as many years a record that will take a lot of beating. This would equal the record for the first time in 108 years when Fred Murray won from 1910-1913. Justin Snaith brings four horses to the track next week, as well as one reserve in SILVER HOST. Defending champion BELGARION is also in his extensive stable and will be hard to beat over the 2200m course.

Last year jockey Richard Fourie rode the horse. He also guided DO IT AGAIN to victory in 2018, but will this year be the mount of S'Manga Khumalo. Incidentally DO IT AGAIN, once again under Richard Fourie, starts the race looking for a third win in four years at 10/1. Take note that DO IT AGAIN is unraced in 63 days.

GOT THE GREENLIGHT leads the bookmaker's boards ahead of the off. Trained by Joe Soma and ridden by Muzi Yeni, the 7/2 odds may be a touch short. This horse, however, looks in great form and will take a lot of beating. Trainer Vaughan Marshall brings the much-fancied LINEBACKER to the start under Grant Van Niekerk tips the scales at 4/1 is a great value. The horse can join the illustrious company of BIG CITY LIFE (2009) and LEGISLATE (2014). This would match horses who have won all of the Grade 1 Cape Derby, the Grade 2 WSB Guineas, the Grade 1 Daily News 2000 and the Vodacom Durban July in one season.

Eric Sands trained RAINBOW BRIDGE is in with a chance. At 5/1 and ridden by Luke Ferraris, this horse has won the last three times out and placed second twice. Luke Ferraris has been on board for all of these fine results and will be up with the frontrunners.

Punters can look forward to ten races on the day of the Vodacom Durban July. The next best to watch will be Grade 1 Jonsson Workwear Garden Province Stakes. The event goes off at 3:35pm, the race after the July. Despite not being able to be there in person, the day will be exciting from the comfort of your armchair. Shout at your TV or Radio, cheer on your favourites and hopefully make good money!