Hollywoodbets Durban July 2026: Official weights published

The road to the 2026 Hollywoodbets Durban July reached another significant milestone on Monday, 15 June with the publication of the official weights for South Africa’s premier horse racing event.

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With no horses added at the final supplementary entry stage, 28 contenders remain in the hunt for glory as attention now shifts to the final declarations deadline on Monday, 22 June at 11:00.

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Revised handicap conditions

According to SportingPost, the release of the weights offers the first real insight into how the remaining runners shape up under the race’s revised handicap conditions.

Introduced to create a wider spread of weights and promote a more competitive contest, the new system is expected to generate plenty of discussion among trainers, owners, punters and racing enthusiasts.

As always, the handicapper’s assessment will come under close scrutiny, with supporters eager to identify which horses have secured favourable treatment ahead of the R10 million Grade 1 race over 2 200m.

The prestigious race, set to be run at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Saturday, 4 July, will mark the 130th running of the iconic event and promises another thrilling chapter in its rich history.

Final field

The next key date on the calendar is Tuesday, 23 June, when the final field and barrier draw will be announced.

The final Durban July field will comprise 18 runners, with two reserves also selected.

Public gallops will follow on Thursday, 25 June, giving racing fans a final opportunity to assess the leading contenders before race day.

With the field beginning to take shape and the official weights now revealed, anticipation is steadily building for Africa’s Greatest Horse Racing and Social Event.

Latest ante-post betting

Topping the ante-post betting market at 3/1 is exciting three-year-old Star Major, who strengthened his credentials after winning the Grade 1 Daily News 2000 for trainer James Crawford.

He is followed by Note To Self (7/2), Wish List (9/2), Happy Verse (6/1), Regulation (8/1) and Legal Counsel (14/1) – all, incredibly, from the Justin Snaith yard.

Hollywoodbets Durban July official weights

HorseWeightMerit ratingTrainerLegal Counsel62128Justin SnaithGladitorian61.5127Stuart FerrieKing Pelles59122Gareth van ZylChoisaanada58.5121Erico VerdoneseNative Ruler58.5121Justin SnaithHolding Thumbs57118Glen KotzenStar Major57122James CrawfordMocha Blend56.5117Frank RobinsonShoot The Rapids56.5117Nathan KotzenThe Ultimate King56.5117Tony PeterMinogue56116Candice / Tammy DawsonHappy Verse55.5119Justin SnaithNote To Self55.5118Justin SnaithOlivia’s Way55.5114Roy MagnerHazy Dazy54.5117Corne SpiesI Salute You54.5113Peter MuscuttWish List54.5117Justin SnaithChronicle King53.5115Candice / Tammy DawsonAladdin’s Lamp53110Mike / Mathew de KockField Marshal53110Nathan KotzenViva’s Liberte53114Candice BassZeitz53110Andre NelIsivivane52108Peter MuscuttTenpenny51.5107Patrick KruyerCopper Eagle51110Robyn KlaasenRegulation51110Justin SnaithLa Pugla50.5105Candice BassCurious Girl46100Mike / Mathew de Kock

Key dates

• Final declarations: Monday, 22 June by 11:00
• Final field & draws: Tuesday, 23 June
• Public gallops: Thursday, 25 June

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