The 2026 Hollywoodbets Durban July came to a standstill yesterday at the Grayville Racecourse in eThekwini, with top past and present athletes gracing the glamorous premier horse racing event.
There were the likes of Teko Modise, the Ndungane twins (Odwa and Akhona), Vernon Philander, Jerry “Legs of Thunder” Skhosana, Brian Baloyi and Springbok Makazole Mapimpi.
Former Liverpool legend and Hollywoodbets ambassador Michael Owen made his debut.
Renowned for its world-class racing, high fashion and entertainment, the 2026 Durban July lived up to expectations. This year’s theme was “Country Allure:, which saw racegoers and hundreds of celebrities pulling out their cowboy hats and boots.
“The Durban July is a different vibe from the football space but it is one place where you get to see everyone from the entertainment industry. Musicians, actors, footballers, rugby and cricket players all in one place,” Baloyi told Sunday World after the race. “This is where you also see people going out of their way to follow the theme. This year, it was an easy theme to follow.
“I just had to get boots similar to the ones of cowboys and a hat to look the part. So, it was fun and I enjoyed the race too.”
Promising young horse Note to Self, ridden by Richard Fourie, was the winner, claiming the R10-million prize money.
- The 2026 Hollywoodbets Durban July event was held at Grayville Racecourse in eThekwini.
- The event came to a standstill yesterday, implying a pause or interruption.
- It attracted top past and present athletes, highlighting its glamour and prestige.
- The Durban July is described as a premier horse racing event.
- Full story requires purchase of the e-edition of Sunday World via Magzter.
Former Liverpool legend and Hollywoodbets ambassador Michael Owen made his debut.
Renowned for its world-class racing, high fashion and entertainment, the 2026 Durban July lived up to expectations.
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“I just had to get boots similar to the ones of cowboys and a hat to look the part. So, it was fun and I enjoyed the race too.”
