The race for the coveted Hollywoodbets Durban July 2025 title has taken a dramatic turn with the withdrawal of SA Derby winner Legend Of Arthur, leaving only 27 contenders still in the hunt for a spot in the R5 million Grade 1 event at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Saturday, 6 July.
The final field will comprise a maximum of 18 runners plus two reserves.
Legend Of Arthur, trained by Sean Tarry and previously seen as a strong Durban July hopeful, was scratched due to a medical issue.
The three-year-old was set to be the backup ride for champion South African jockey Richard Fourie.
This latest development leaves Tarry, a two-time Durban July-winning trainer (with Pomodoro in 2012 and Heavy Metal in 2013), with just one possible runner in the shape of Litigation.
Uncertainty over Justin Snaith’s star
All eyes are now on Justin Snaith’s highly regarded colt Eight On Eighteen, whose participation remains uncertain.
Conflicting reports have circulated in recent days regarding his fitness and intended entry.
Key dates
- Monday, 23 June: Final declarations deadline
- Tuesday, 24 June at 11:00: Final field announcement and barrier draw live on Gallop TV
- Thursday, 26 June at 07:00: Public gallops for KwaZulu-Natal-based horses at Hollywoodbets Greyville
- Gates open at 06:30
- Free coffee and pastries available for attendees
As the excitement builds, racing fans are bracing for what promises to be another thrilling edition of South Africa’s most iconic horse race.
Horses remaining in contention for Hollywoodbets Durban July
| Horse | MR | Trainer |
| Future Swing | 117 | Justin Snaith |
| Immediate Edge | 108 | Mike / Mathew de Kock |
| Purple Pitcher | 122 | Robyn Klaasen |
| Rainbow Lorikeet | 111 | Candice Bass-Robinson |
| Underworld | 109 | Justin Snaith |
| Son Of Raj | 119 | Tony Peter |
| The Equator (IRE) | 110 | Tony Peter |
| Atticus Finch | 121 | Alec Laird |
| Madison Valley | 115 | Frank Robinson |
| Eight On Eighteen | 129 | Justin Snaith |
| On My Honour | 116 | Glen Kotzen |
| Magic Verse | 113 | Justin Snaith |
| Selukwe | 111 | Andre Nel |
| Confederate | 118 | Fabian Habib |
| Royal Victory | 125 | Nathan Kotzen |
| Beating Wings | 113 | Stuart Pettigrew |
| Okavango | 120 | Justin Snaith |
| Gladatorian | 127 | Stuart Ferrie |
| Litigation | 113 | Sean Tarry |
| Oriental Charm | 127 | James Crawford |
| Pomodoro’s Jet | 118 | James Crawford |
| Holding Thumbs | 107 | Glen Kotzen |
| Thunee Playa | 104 | Mano Pandaram |
| See It Again | 127 | Michael Roberts |
| Native Ruler | 119 | Justin Snaith |
| My Best Shot | 116 | Alan Greeff |
| The Real Prince | 120 | Dean Kannemeyer |
Have you ever attended the Hollywoodbets Durban July?
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