As with all major sporting and entertainment events in 2020, Covid-19 has placed a major spanner in the works and turned the Vodacom Durban July on its head.

But rather than cancel this prestigious horse racing event, Gold Circle – event organisers – have opted to continue the tradition ‘behind closed doors’.

Here’s what you need to know about the Vodacom Durban July 2020 (#VDJ2020).

1. This year is the 124^th edition of ‘Africa’s Greatest Horse racing Event’. This historic race has welcomed the likes of King George V and Queen Elizabeth II as VIP guests.
2. The Vodacom Durban July has never been cancelled – it even continued during the two world wars.
3. This year’s race was supposed to be held in the first week of July (Saturday, 4 July) as is tradition, but was delayed to Saturday, 25 July because of the pandemic.
4. The Vodacom Durban July will take place ‘behind closed doors’, meaning there will be no crowds in the stadium and all race bets will be digital.
5. Fashion is a big part of the Vodacom Durban July and this year is no different. Centred on the theme Butterflies, fashionistas are encouraged to dress up at home, and share photos and videos on the social media platforms using #VDJ2020.
6. This year could be historic in that trainer, Justin Snaith’s horse, Do It Again, could take the title for a third consecutive year.
7. Do It Again is only one of five horses to have ever won the Vodacom Durban July back-to-back. The others are:

• Campanajo (1897/1898)
• Corriecrian (1907/1908)
• Milesia Pride (1949/1950)
• El Picha (1999/2000)

8. There have only been two winning dead heats in the history of the race. The first one was in 1967 when Jollify and Sea Cottage crossed in sync. The second was in 2008 when crowd favourites, Pocket Power and Dancer’s Daughter, also crossed the finish line together.
9. This year’s main race is set to take place at 3.10pm with the winner taking home R2.5-million, second-place R800 000, third-place R400 000 and fourth-place R200 000.

The Vodacom Durban July 2020 Schedule

Race Number    Time                      Race

1                              11:35                     Pinnacle Stakes – 1000m (Poly)

2                              12:10                     KZN Yearling Sale Million – 1300m (Turf)

3                              12:45                     Campanajo 2200 – 2200m (Turf)

4                              13:20                     DStv Gold Vase – 3000m (Turf)

5                              13:55                     Golden Slipper – 1400m (Turf)

6                              14:30                     Durban Golden Horseshoe – 1400m (Turf)

7                              15:10                     Vodacom Durban July – 2200m (Turf)

8                              15:45                     Ethekwini Sprint – 1200m (Poly)

9                              16:20                     Jonsson Workwear Garden Province Stakes – 1600m (Turf)

10                           16:55                     Thukela Handicap – 1600m (Turf)

Whether you’re looking for the excitement of horse racing, or the glitz and glamour of high-end fashion, this weekend is heating up with #VDJ2020 action!

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