Durban July latest: Filly Sparkling Water thrashes the boys for July victory

Follow our live blog below for updates throughout the weekend.

The Grade 1 Daily News 2000 is traditionally one of the best pointers to the Hollywoodbets Durban July and a small but quality field of nine runners face the starter on Saturday, 2 July at the Greyvillle Racecourse in Durban. Photo: Hollywoodbets Durban July

Filly Sparkling water, ridden by S’manga Khumalo, has won the G1 race at the Hollywoodbets Durban July Handicap at to the Greyville Racecourse.

South Africa’s beloved annual thoroughbred horse race took a knock during the Covid-19 pandemic and was only attended by jockeys while closed to the general public.

Needless to say, excitement levels galloped upwards in the lead to the Durban July – from prepping for special events to mark the occasion, to the much-anticipated fashion codes.

There have also been dramatic news developments dominating headlines this week: Zapatillas withdrawing from the race and Airways Law drafted into starting line-up.

Durban July live updates

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Remember to join the fun on social media by tagging #HDJ2022, #HollywoodbetsDurbanJuly, and #JulyTurnsPurple.

Durban July: Vital information

Do note: Covid19 restrictions are in place for the 2022 Durban July. Visitors will need to show proof of vaccination or a recent negative PCR test to gain entrance.

The main race is set to giddy up at 4.20pm (we do not apologise for bad puns) from the Greyville Racecourse – a 2,800m track with a slight uphill run from the 2400m to 1800m mark.

The theme for the 2022 event is: ‘Show me the Honey!’

‘Show me the Honey’

This weekend Greyville race course in KwaZulu-Natal will be swarming with fashionistas who’ve missed the opportunity to show off their best and possibly their worst on the fashion front.

Although you can get the dress code wrong, you can opt to ignore the theme or dress as though you’re at a Matric ball.

The Citizen spoke to experts in the fashion industry who gave us tips on what to wear and what to avoid. Read more here.

Durban July attractions to get you ready for the races this weekend

Durban July entries

The final field for the Hollywoodbets Durban July has been announced. Mike de Kock’s Safe Passage is the early favourite, opening up at 7/2.

Meanwhile, Linebacker (second in the Hollywoodbets Gold Challenge) along with Pomp and Power, and Sparkling Water (second in the Premier’s Champions Challenge) won’t disappoint.

That said, the defending champion, Kommetdieding, will carry top weight when the stall gates fly open on Saturday 2 July.

ALSO READ: Venniker loses chance to be first woman in Durban July

Compiled by Cheryl Kahla. Reporting by Wesley Botton, Sandisiwe Mbhele, Kaunda Selisho, Mike Moon, Thami Kwazi, and Th e mbinkosi Sekgaphane.