Making magic at the Durban July

One of the biggest national events of the year, the 121^st Vodacom Durban July will host the country’s best fashion designers and horses on Saturday, July 1 at Greyville Racecourse.

The theme this year is the ‘Colour of Magic’ and will see thousands of racegoers dressed up in a variety of classical and elegant garments.

Established fashion designers set things off by giving guests a view of their newest creations at the prestigious Vodacom Durban July Invited Designer Showcase last week.

Both amateur and professional designers stood a chance of having their design chosen by the judges in the July Fashion Challenge, while KZN university students could showcased their designs in The Young Designer competition.

All winning designs will be displayed publicly on the day of the race.

Competitions

There are several race day fashion competitions, in which the spectators wearing the best ensemble will be brought up on stage and the winners will be awarded prizes.

Some of the contests running will be ‘Huawei Most Striking Couple’,’ Classic racewear’ for both guys and girls and there’s even a contest for the best hat or fascinator!

If you prefer to place your bet on the horses, a legion of South Africa’s fastest thoroughbreds will leave you with plenty of choice.

Horse racing

There are 12 races in total over the course of the day; 18 horses will be competing for the Durban July Handicap’s R4.25 million purse.

The favourite for the July is Edict of Nantes, followed by Al Sahem.

Another notable workout was completed by The Conglomerate, who has returned in a bid to win consecutively and emulate the four back-to-back winners before him.

It won’t be easy, as the gelding has several top-quality runners to contend with.

Although his entry into the race is debated, Black Arthur put in the best workout at the Vodacom Durban July Gallops, going 400m over a time of 22,67 secs.

The race was first run in 1897, and the distance of the course has since increased from 1600m to the current length of 2200m.

The first winner of the handicap was Campanajo, who also won in 1898.

https://www.facebook.com/VodacomDurbanJuly/videos/10155457375781350/

Entertainment

Celebrities attending the event include Lira, Khanyi Mbau and Miss South Africa Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters, while international Stars Robin Thicke and French Montana will be leading the Vodacom Durban July launch party on the evening of the  June, 30, along with local stars like Nasty C and Casspar Nyovest.

The fun and enchantment won’t wind down at the finish line, though.

The Fact Durban Rocks after party will take place at Moses Madiba Stadium on the evening of July 1.

Gates for the Vodacom Durban July open at 9.30am and tickets are R220 each.

>>  Expect to find the latest trends in Health, Wellness and Beauty in Ballito.

>> Meet the top players in the North Coast property industry. See our Property People feature.

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