Final field for the 2026 HollywoodBets Durban July

The race favourite is the James Crawford-trained Star Major, who is part of a fairytale story as the Querari colt will be ridden by Frenchwoman Mickaëlle Michel. She travelled out here with the hope of riding winners and enjoying the experience, but never in her wildest dreams would she have believed that she would be riding the favourite in South Africa’s greatest race just seven months after arriving.

The locally-trained horses in the field are the Stuart Ferrie-trained Gladatorian, the Frank Robinson-trained Mocha Blend, the Gareth van Zyl-trained King Pelles and the Peter Muscutt-trained pair, I Salute You and Isivivane.

There are eight Cape-trained horses in the top 18 and five Highveld-trained horses. The two reserves are both Highveld-trained horses.

The 18 runners include five three-year-olds, nine four-year-olds, three five-year-olds and one six-year-old, and the two reserves are four and three years old respectively.
This years stake has doubled from last year to R10 million. Expect the 2026 Hollywoodbets Durban July to be bigger and better than ever!

Last years (2025) winner The Real Price, will not be defending his crown this year.

EDIT
Number 4 – STAR MAJOR – scratched. [ 30 June 2026]
Number 5 – The Ultimate King – scratched. [ 1 July 2026]
To be replaced by …
19: Choisaanada
20: Curious Girl

E&OE.
Please check the official Race Cards – printed on the Thursday before the race for final field information