2026 Durban July Draw - Favourite Star Major drawn in stall 4

James Crawford's Star Major, who currently leads the way in the Durban July betting, was drawn in stall four. For many years, a low draw was considered vital in the Durban July, so jockey Mickaëlle Michel - who will be looking to become the first female rider to win South Africa's most famous race - will have been delighted with her stall position.

There were groans from connections when Olivia's Way, the first horse to be drawn on Tuesday, was handed a wide draw in stall 15. Stalls 1-9 have produced more winners than stalls 10-18 over the last 40 years, but the split is fairly even, and we've seen horses win from stalls 17 and 18 in the last five years alone. Being drawn in a high-numbered stall does not necessarily end your chances.

Aladdin's Lamp was drawn widest of all in gate 18, with King Pelles and Minogue on his immediate inside. At the other end of the stalls, Isivivane was handed the rail draw in stall one, with Regulation and The Ultimate King separating the rail runner from Star Major.

Justin Snaith was delighted when Note To Self was placed in the lucky stall 11. Stall 11 is considered a "sweet spot" due to a unique quirk - it's the first gate in the second bank of stalls, giving horses a few extra yards of space before the right-hand bend. This allows jockeys to angle in early and avoid the notorious jostling in the opening stages.

Top-weight Legal Counsel will spring from gate five, with Hazy Dazy, Wish List, Gladatorian and Viva's Liberte also landing single-figure draws. Native Ruler was placed in gate 10, Zeitz will jump from stall 12, and stalls 13 and 14 will be occupied by Mocha Blend and I Salute You.