Here's our first selection for the 2026 Durban July, which will take place at Greyville racecourse on Saturday, July 4th.
The field has been confirmed for South Africa's most lucrative horse race. 18 of the country's highest-rated thoroughbreds will battle it out at Greyville, all hoping to win the lion's share of the huge prize pot.
Usually, I'll select two or three runners to back in the Durban July, covering the different price ranges. Here are my first two tips for the 2026 Durban July.
2026 Durban July Odds
| Name | Odds |
|---|---|
| Star Major | 3/1 |
| Wish List | 4/1 |
| Note To Self | 9/2 |
| Regulation | 7/1 |
| Viva's Liberte | 8/1 |
| Zeitz | 14/1 |
| Bar | 16/1 |
2026 Durban July Tip 1 - Note To Self
Younger horses have dominated the Durban July in recent years. Two-time winner El Picha was the last six-year-old to land this famous handicap back in 2000, while 21 of the last 25 winners have been either three or four years old.
Since leading older horses See It Again, Eight On Eighteen and The Real Prince were scratched from this year's contest, the betting has been dominated by three-year-olds. Star Major leapt to the head of the market after winning the Daily News 2000, but the one I took out of that Group One was NOTE TO SELF (3/1), and he'll be my first selection for the 2026 Durban July.
Justin Snaith's gelding doesn't have the usual profile of a Durban July winner. Note To Self has won only two of his eight career starts, and comes into the race on the back of three defeats. However, I feel this son of Futura is improving all the time, and he's had valid excuses for those recent losses.
Snaith's charge finished second behind the filly Wish List in the Cape Derby. His stablemate was receiving a handy sex allowance against the colts that day, and Richie Fourie slammed the door in Grant van Niekerk's face as Note To Self attempted to challenge along the rail, allowing Wish List to hold on comfortably in the closing stages.
Note To Self was then outpaced and hung right when beaten by Okavango and Eight On Eighteen in a conditions race over a mile here at Greyville in May. Andrew Fortune was the first jockey to get to work as Note To Self was outpaced around the home bend in the Daily News, and was then forced to make his challenge along the inside of the track, while Star Major enjoyed a dream run down the outside of the pace-setters.
Both Note To Self and Happy Verse were giving Star Major three pounds that day. In the July, Snaith's gelding will receive two kilos from his Daily News conqueror, and I expect him to improve significantly for this step up in trip.
Richie Fourie had the pick of Justin Snaith's five runners, and he's opted for Note To Self. That decision was made before Fourie's mount was drawn into the lucky stall 11. Note To Self appears to have plenty going in his favour.
2026 Durban July Tip 2 - Zeitz
Horses coming into the Durban July via the BetGames/Dolphins Cup Trial have an excellent recent record. ZEITZ (14/1) ran out a convincing winner of the final Durban July trial last month, and Willem Nel's grey could have a major say in the outcome of Saturday's feature.
Nel has always campaigned Zeitz like a top-class performer. Serino Moodley's mount won the Politician Stakes in January last year before taking his chance in the Cape Derby. Zeitz could manage only sixth in last year's Cup Trial as a three-year-old, failing to earn his place in the main event. He did, however, gain compensation on Durban July day by landing the Listed International Handicap, having been backed into 2/1 favouritism before the off.
Zeitz struggled a little during the first half of this season, finishing behind Legal Counsel, Regulation and Okavango in some strong contests. After a short break, Nel's grey returned to winning ways in a classy seven-furlong A Stakes at Scottsville, before following up with that impressive victory in the BetGames Cup Trial.
Moodley's mount travelled strongly behind the pace that day before stretching clear to score by a comfortable half-length. Zeitz has now won his last two starts at Greyville, and Willem Nel's contender will carry bottom weight on his first crack at South Africa's most prestigious prize.
Visit our Durban July Live Stream page if you want to watch any race at Greyville on Saturday via a mobile or tablet.
Live Stream
Visit our Durban July Live Stream page if you want to watch any race at Greyville on Saturday via a mobile or tablet.
Durban July 2026 FAQs
- What is the Durban July?
The Durban July is South Africa's most famous horse race, attracting the country's top thoroughbreds to Greyville Racecourse each July. Run over 2200 metres, this historic handicap is regarded as the highlight of the South African racing calendar.
- When is the Durban July?
The 2026 Durban July takes place at Greyville Racecourse on Saturday, July 4. The official race time is currently scheduled for 4:20pm (SAST).
- Which horses are favourites for the 2026 Durban July?
The betting market is constantly changing in the weeks leading up to the race. With several leading contenders scratched from this year's contest, horses like Star Major, Note To Self, Wish List and other leading three-year-olds have moved towards the head of the betting.
- Which trainer has won the most Durban Julys?
Justin Snaith holds the record for the most Durban July victories by a trainer. The champion trainer has enjoyed tremendous success in South Africa's most famous race and regularly fields strong contenders.
- Where can I watch the 2026 Durban July?
The Durban July will be broadcast live in South Africa, with coverage also available through various international racing channels and online streaming services. Visit our website for more information on live streaming.