Who is going to win the Durban July? The final field is set!

Discover the final field, favourites and fashion ahead of Africa's biggest horse race

June 29, 2026

Lauren Anthony 3 minutes read

Africa's biggest horse race, the Durban July, set to take place Saturday, 4 July Photo: Philippe Oursel/Unsplash

The countdown to South Africa’s biggest horse racing spectacle is officially on, and now you need to ask: Who is going to win the 2026 Durban July?

With just days to go before the R10m showdown at Greyville Racecourse this Saturday, the final field has been confirmed, and punters across KwaZulu-Natal are already studying the form guide.

For Zululand racing fans making the trip to Durban for the Country Allure-themed event, this year’s race promises plenty of intrigue and no shortage of contenders capable of taking home the famous sash.

The favourite to beat

Current favourite Star Major has been installed at the top of many bookmakers’ lists after an outstanding season.

Trained by James Crawford, the talented colt is chasing another Durban July success for the Crawford family after Brett and James combined to win the race in both 2023 and 2024.

One of the biggest talking points is the jockey. French rider Mickaëlle Michel has been riding in South Africa only for a few months, yet now finds herself aboard the favourite for Africa’s biggest race.

Should Star Major prevail, Michel would become the first female jockey to win the Durban July.

Could Regulation spoil the party?

If there’s one horse attracting plenty of support, it’s Regulation. Only just making the final field after a tense selection process, Regulation now looks exceptionally well placed after receiving a favourable barrier draw and carrying one of the lighter weights.

The gelding is trained by five-time Durban July-winning trainer Justin Snaith, who knows exactly what it takes to win this race.

Adding another layer to the story is Australian jockey Zac Lloyd. His father, legendary jockey Jeffrey Lloyd, rode in an incredible 26 Durban Julys but never managed to win the race. Could the son finally achieve what eluded his father?

Never underestimate the champions

The Durban July has a habit of producing surprises, and some of horse racing’s biggest names will once again be chasing history. Justin Snaith saddles an impressive team of runners, including:
· Regulation
· Legal Counsel
· Wish List
· Native Ruler
· Note To Self

Meanwhile, legendary trainer Mike de Kock, who also boasts five Durban July victories, teams up with his son Mathew as they bid to lift the trophy with Aladdin’s Lamp.

Other runners expected to attract plenty of support include:
· Isivivane
· King Pelles
· Gladiatorian
· Viva’s Liberté
· The Ultimate King

More than just a horse race

The Durban July is about far more than horse racing. Thousands of visitors are expected to descend on Durban for a weekend of fashion, entertainment and celebrations.

The programme line-up is equally impressive, with Grammy Award-winning Zakes Bantwini headlining alongside Mi Casa, Will Linley, Vicky Sampson, Tamara Dey and several other top South African artists.

2026 Durban July final draw
(Horse, Trainer, Jockey, Draw, Weight)
1. Isivivane – Peter Muscutt (Sean Veale) — Draw: 5 | Weight: 52kg
2. Regulation – Justin Snaith (Zac Lloyd) — Draw: 2 | Weight: 52kg
3. The Ultimate King – Tony Peter (Kabelo Matsunyane) — Draw: 12 | Weight: 56.5kg
4. Star Major – James Crawford (Mickaëlle Michel) — Draw: 15 | Weight: 57kg
5. Legal Counsel – Justin Snaith (Callan Murray) — Draw: 8 | Weight: 62kg
6. Hazy Dazy – Corne Spies (Trent Mayhew) — Draw: 1 | Weight: 54.5kg
7. Wish List – Justin Snaith (Andrew Fortune) — Draw: 7 | Weight: 54.5kg
8. Gladatorian – Stuart Ferrie (Muzi Yeni) — Draw: 14 | Weight: 61.5kg
9. Viva’s Liberte – Candice Bass (Craig Zackey) — Draw: 11 | Weight: 53kg
10. Native Ruler – Justin Snaith (Keagan de Melo) — Draw: 18 | Weight: 58.5kg
11. Note To Self – Justin Snaith (Richard Fourie) — Draw: 3 | Weight: 55kg
12. Zeitz – Andre Nel (Serino Moodley) — Draw: 4 | Weight: 53kg
13. Mocha Blend – Frank Robinson (Tristan Godden) — Draw: 13 | Weight: 56.5kg
14. I Salute You – Peter Muscutt (Mark du Plessis) — Draw: 10 | Weight: 54.5kg
15. Olivia’s Way – Roy Magner (JP van der Merwe) — Draw: 16 | Weight: 55kg
16. Minogue – Candice & Tammy Dawson (Gavin Lerena) — Draw: 17 | Weight: 56kg
17. King Pelles – Gavin van Zyl (Chad Schofield) — Draw: 6 | Weight: 59kg
18. Aladdin’s Lamp – Mike & Mathew de Kock (Calvin Habib) — Draw: 9 | Weight: 53kg