The biggest horse race in South Africa is the Hollywoodbets Durban July. A huge prize pot of R10m will be up for grabs at Greyville this Saturday, and the betting market is really starting to hot up.
The field has been confirmed and the draw made for the 2026 Durban July. Here's how the betting is shaping up.
2026 Durban July Odds
| Name | Odds |
|---|---|
| Wish List | 4/1 |
| Note To Self | 4/1 |
| Regulation | 6/1 |
| Viva's Liberte | 6/1 |
| Zeitz | 9/1 |
| Native Ruler | 14/1 |
| Bar | 16/1 |
2026 Durban July Runners
Defending champion, The Real Prince, and leading older horses See It Again and Eight On Eighteen were already missing from this year's Durban July. South Africa's most prestigious race was dealt another hammer blow this week, when Daily News 2000 winner and ante-post favourite Star Major was scratched from Saturday's main event.
Justin Snaith's duo of Note To Self and Wish List now share favouritism ahead of the 2026 Durban July. Note To Self was beaten by Star Major in the Daily News 2000, and had been weak in the betting prior to the favourites withdrawal. Money had arrived for top filly Wish List during the early part of this week, and there's every chance that Andrew Fortune's mount will go off as the clear favourite.
Despite a disappointing run in the Betgames Cup Trial, Regulation is available at a single-figure price and crack Australian jockey Zac Lloyd has been booked to take the ride. Willem Nel's Zeitz claimed victory in the last of the recognised Durban July trials and has since been cut into a single-figure price. Money has also arrived this week for Candice Bass' Viva's Liberte, who could be one of the pace angles in this year's contest.
Legal Counsel heads the Durban July weights following placed efforts in the Drill Hall Stakes and the Gold Challenge. Frank Robinson's filly Mocha Blend will take her chance, along with another runner from the Justin Snaith stable, Native Ruler.
Gladatorian and King Pelles have been confirmed in the final Durban July field. Other notable names who remain in contention include Isivivane, Hazy Dazy, Aladdin's Lamp and The Ultimate King.