The complexion of the 2026 Hollywoodbets Durban July changed dramatically last week, following the withdrawal of three of South Africa's biggest racing stars.
Former favourite See It Again, reigning South African Horse of the Year Eight On Eighteen and defending Durban July champion The Real Prince will all miss this year's renewal at Greyville, leaving a huge hole in the Durban July betting market.
For racing fans, the absence of See It Again is particularly significant. Twice a runner in this famous race for Mike Roberts, See It Again had been in inspired form since joining Justin Snaith's stable, winning the Cape Town Met and the Premier Champions' Challenge.
See It Again finished down the field on his prep for the Durban July in the Gold Challenge at Greyville last month, and connections have been forced to abandon plans to race in South Africa's most lucrative contest.
Defending champion The Real Prince will also not return to Greyville to defend his crown. Dean Kannemeyer's star produced one of the most memorable finishes in recent Durban July history when edging out Eight On Eighteen by the narrowest of margins in 2025. Eight On Eighteen hadn't been in the best of form this season, but Snaith had been looking forward to a rematch with The Real Prince at Greyville. Sadly, now, neither will be able to take part.
The scratchings have significantly reshaped the betting market. The market is now completely dominated by three-year-olds, with Star Major, Note To Self, Wish List and Happy Verse rising to the top of the betting.
Despite losing both of his main contenders, Justin Snaith remains the favourite to win his sixth Durban July. Stable jockey, Richard Fourie has already been confirmed in the saddle of Note To Self, with Andrew Fortune partnering with Wish List. Young Australian jockey Zac Lloyd, who rode his first Royal Ascot winner earlier this week, will travel to South Africa to take the ride on Snaith's Okavango, as he rides in the Durban July for the very first time.