AFRICA’S GREATEST HORSERACING EVENT A GOLD CIRCLE HORSERACING EVENT • www.vodacomdurbanjuly.co.za • www.tabgold.co.za • www.goldcircle.co.za CONTENTS

SECTION 1 : THE “FRENZY” Have you felt the FRENZY yet? pg 2 An Audition for World Stardom pg 3 The Road to Riches pg 7 Historical Bites pg 8

SECTION 2 : PICKING YOUR WINNER The Hollywoodbets Greyville Track pg 14 Look to Champions Season pg 16 Understanding Form pg 18 Parade Pointers pg 19 Parts of the Horse pg 21 Biggest and Smallest Fields pg 22 Age of Winners pg 22 How the Favourites have Fared pg 22 The Greys pg 23 Fillies and Mares pg 24 Barrier Draws pg 24

SECTION 3 : ROLL OF HONOUR Table of Winners pg 25-29 Year-by-Year: 1897 - 2019 pg 30-51

SECTION 4 : FASHION FEVER Fashion Experience pg 52

1 HAVE YOU FELT THE FRENZY YET? Come the final week before the big day, it seems South Africa’s most asked question is: “What’s your fancy?” But why? What causes this frenzy? It’s probably a many-layered answer: 123 Years of Tradition One thing the world’s great events share is history - an unbroken heritage stretching back through time. The Vodacom Durban July spans three centuries, first run in 1897, and every year since. Big money at Stake That first running in 1897 was contested for a prize of 500 sovereigns. Big then. Big now. For the past three years, the big race has beeen contested for a stake of R4.25 million, but reduced to R1.5 million for 2020 due to the impact of the current coronavirus pandemic. Grade 1 Status The very best and most prestigious horseracing events internationally are graded 3, 2 or 1 according to their entry criteria. Grade 1 naturally describes the pinnacle of world racing, featuring the best horses. Prestige Sponsors Rothmans joined forces with the July in 1963 and remained sponsor until 2000. Rothmans was reluctant to end its association with the great race but the new tobacco laws of the country forbade it and sadly the longest running sponsorship of a major sporting event came to an end after its 38th year. For 2001, the race was run simply as the Durban July, but in 2002 the powerful Vodacom brand announced its sponsorship, and Africa’s Greatest Horseracing Event has continued to break new records each year. By invitation only Not the public, the horses! Yes, trainers start entering their horses at intervals from May - the final 20 carded runners in the Vodacom Durban July are selected based on the stature of their recent race achievements, and invited to contest the event. 2010 and 2020 - Extraordinary! As everybody knows, the July never deviates from its traditional place in the calendar - the first Saturday in July. But, as we all know, 2010 was an extraordinary year for sport. The Soccer World Cup programme in South Africa was paramount - and the Vodacom Durban July graciously made way. For 2010, Africa’s Greatest Horseracing Event moved to the last Saturday in July. This year, the big race has been deferred to Saturday 25 July in compliance with Government’s coronavirus control measures and will be run behind closed doors.

2 AN AUDITION FOR WORLD STARDOM HOW THE VODACOM DURBAN JULY HAS LAUNCHED SOME GLITTERING INTERNATIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS

Invitation to horseracing’s world circuit is by no means automatic. Horses must first prove themselves in domestic competition. Horseracing is on offer in all of South Africa’s major centres most days of the week, fifty-two weeks a year, but one annual phenomenon has stood way taller than all the rest as an identifier of world class South African talent – the Vodacom Durban July, South Africa’s premier horseracing and social event and the unquestioned pinnacle of Champions Season. London News won the July in 1996 – and it catapulted him onto the world stage. London News won the 1997 Queen Elizabeth II Cup in Hong Kong, setting a new track record for the distance, and beating home other Grade 1 contenders from Australia, New Zealand, Japan, UK, the United Arab Emirates, and of course Hong Kong.

The great Colo rado King ‘The King’ is regarded as one of the all-time greats of the South African turf and was trained by another of the country’s all-time greats, the record seven-times July winning trainer Syd Laird. Colorado King won the 1963 July by an effortless 1.75 lengths at odds of 6-4 in front of one of the biggest crowds the course had ever seen. A week later he ran an outstanding third in the Durban Merchants over 1200m, putting in a 14 pound better performance than the winner. Colorado King was then exported to the USA, reportedly sold for US$15 000, which proved to be a bargain considering he went on to earn another US$251 825. He won seven races in the USA from 1300m to 2600m, including two Grade 1s and a Grade 2.

3 London News’s win in Hong Kong has been catalytic: spurred by an international horseracing fraternity recognising the quality of our South African product, increasing numbers of locally bred and raced horses took on the world. And those with the Vodacom Durban July in their CV’s have been particularly prominent. TRADEMARK: two-time winner in the USA Trademark won the Vodacom Durban July in 2001 as a 4 year old – and came home in the fastest time since the race changed to its 2200 metre distance in 1970. He then moved to Dubai where he raced in top company before racing in the USA where he won two races at Graded level. IPI TOMBE: best race-mare of her generation Ipi Tombe had won every race she contested but one before winning the Vodacom Durban July of 2002. Purchased by an American syndicate, Ipi Tombe then campaigned initially in Dubai, winning all three of her starts there. Among these was the Grade 1 Dubai Duty Free on World Cup Day: it won her a purse of US$ 2 million and established her as the world’s best race-mare of her generation. Moving to the USA, she won at the legendary Churchill Downs racetrack before retiring to stud. YARD-ARM and WOLF WHISTLE: stalwarts of Dubai Yard-Arm was narrowly beaten by Dynasty in the Vodacom Durban July of 2003. He went to Dubai in 2004, winning the Grade 3 Al Fahidi Fort and going on to become one of just twelve horses invited to contest the Dubai World Cup of 2005 – the world’s richest race then offering a stake of US$6million. Fourth in the 2003 Vodacom Durban July, Wolf Whistle also campaigned in Dubai winning several top events and competing in the Grade 1 Dubai Duty Free at the 2005 World Cup meeting. GREYS INN: campaigner on three continents Greys Inn carried the colours of the Oppenheimers to an emphatic victory in the 2004 Vodacom Durban July and went on to a racing career that spanned three continents. Arriving in Dubai in early 2005, he ran second in the Grade 3 Al Fahidi Fort – then won the Grade 3 Dubai City Of Gold by nearly five lengths, for a prize of US$200 000. At the Dubai World Cup meeting of that year, Greys Inn ran fourth in the US$2million Grade 1 Dubai Sheema Classic. Moving on to Hong Kong, Greys Inn then ran arguably the biggest race of his career in the Audemars Piguet Queen Elizabeth II Cup, finishing just three-quarters of a length second to the legendary Vengeance Of Rain. Racing in Australia for the latter part of 2005, Greys Inn finished fourth in the Canefield Stakes, and followed that up with runs in the Cox Plate and the world famous Melbourne Cup.

4 GRAND EMPORIUM: Grade 2 winner in Dubai Grand Emporium, although an unplaced runner in the 2004 Vodacom Durban July, went on to distinguish himself at the 2005 Dubai World Cup winning the US$1 million Godolphin Mile (Gr2). JAY PEG: winner of R40million in stakes This big-hearted campaigner represents one of the most glittering post-Vodacom career success stories. Jay Peg went into the running of the 2007 Vodacom Durban July as a well-fancied 8-time winner. That he managed just an eighth place finish in Africa’s greatest race has puzzled some – but he left no doubt about his class when arriving in Dubai. Two placed runs there were followed up with a fluent win in the Dubai Duty Free on World Cup night at the end of March 2008. As if to top that, Jay Peg then moved straight into the competitive environment of Singapore, claiming victory in the Singapore Airlines International Cup in mid-May of the same year – making him South Africa’s top-earning racehorse. SUN CLASSIQUE: exploded onto international stage This exciting filly lined up alongside Jay Peg in the 2007 Vodacom Durban July – and beat him home by one position. However, exported to Dubai for the 2008 Racing Carnival, Sun Classique not so much burst onto the international stage as exploded! Two stakes race wins in February were a loud announcement of what was to follow on Dubai World Cup night in March. Sun Classique cruised home a 2.75 length winner of the Grade 1 Sheema Classic. SILVER MIST AND HUNTING TOWER: Dubai Carnival stars Both Silver Mist and Hunting Tower competed in two consecutive Vodacom Durban Julys – and Hunting Tower won it in 2007. Moving on to campaign for trainer Mike de Kock in the Dubai Racing Carnival, they again showed their class in international company. Hunting Tower was a winner during the Carnival, and notched up an impressive second in the Grade 2 Al Fahidi Fort. Silver Mist fared even better emerging as a multiple winner – including the Grade 3 Al Rashidiya – and was the third highest stakes earning horse at the Carnival up until World Cup Night. RIVER JETEZ: out of the shadow, into the limelight! Brilliant in her own right and a multiple Vodacom Durban July runner, River Jetez somewhat unfortunately raced for most of her career in the shadow of her Champion elder brother Pocket Power. In February 2011 she won the Grade 2 Balanchine Stakes in Dubai, and was then just three quarters of a length short when clinging on to second place in the Dubai Duty Free on World Cup day. Hong Kong followed where she was considered unlucky to finish just sixth in the Audemars Piguet QE11 Cup after a troubled run. The Singapore Airlines International Cup followed, over 2000 meters at Kranji Racecourse. It was a vintage River Jetez performance: into the home straight she gained steadily on the leader Gitano Hernando only to have the finishing post arrive too early.

5 BOLD SILVANO: World Cup disappointment It’s a story that summarises the emotional highs and lows of horseracing. In March 2011, newspapers carried the headline nobody wanted to see: ‘Bold Silvano out of World Cup’. Just days before he was due to take his place as a highly fancied contender for the US$10million World Cup in Dubai, the 2010 Vodacom Durban July winner had pulled up sore in training. Until then, the colt’s preparation for the big race had been perfect: on debut in Dubai, he won the second round of the Maktoum Challenge, beating four other Grade 1 winners. IGUGU AND THE APACHE: Big-race come-backs! Igugu won the 2011 Vodacom Durban July emphatically – and the very highly-rated The Apache came fourth. Both horses raced on in South Africa until January of the following year, before beginning the demanding protocols of international relocation. It took a year for them to touch competitive turf again – and this they did at the 2013 Dubai Carnival. In late February, Igugu ended her 13-month layoff with a third in the Gr2 Balanchine and, on World Cup night – although taking only fifth position – ran less than three lengths behind the winner in the Gr1 Dubai Duty Free. The Apache hit Dubai running with an impressive win in the Gr2 Al Rashidiya in January. He then notched up two consecutive seconds – in the Jebel Hatta in early March, and in the Gr1 Dubai Duty Free on World Cup night. The Apache then raced briefly in England before going to the United States for the Gr 1 Arlington Million – where he crossed the line first, but was demoted to second for ‘interference in the straight’. The Apache has career stake earnings of over US$1.6 million. VERCINGETORIX: World stage showcases class The Mike De Kock entry was the ruling Vodacom Durban July favourite at 9-2 – with a large and loyal fanbase – when he was withdrawn from the big race due to injury in mid-June ahead of the 2013 event. Reappearing for the Dubai Carnival, Vercingetorix pulled off a win and a second at Grade 1 level, and then ran third – also at Grade 1 level – in Hong Kong. TELLINA: Grade 1 runner-up in Europe After running third for trainer Geoff Woodruff in the 2015 Vodacom Durban July, Tellina joined Mike De Kock’s international string in 2016. He competed in the Grade 2 Dubai Gold Cup, then ran second in the German St Leger on his European debut that year. AL SAHEM: Four runs at Dubai Carnival Flying up to claim second place behind Marinaresco in the 2017 Vodacom Durban July, Al Sahem was then aimed at top international competition in last year’s Dubai Racing Carnival. Al Sahem competed at Grade 3 and 2 in three outings during the Carnival before meeting a star field in the Dubai Gold Cup on World Cup night. MARINARESCO: Dubai Gold Cup campaigner Marinaresco, a popular winner of the 2017 Vodacom Durban July, campaigned at last years Dubai Racing Carnival, culminating in a hard-fought fifth place in the Grade 2 Dubai Gold Cup.

6 THE ROAD TO RICHES WINNING BIG ON JULY DAY

Stories of big, “life-changing” wins on July Day are numerous. Some may be pure legend - but, given the massive betting spend on the day, many are true! In 1970, the July was won by Court Day. The owner of the horse and his wife were reportedly so convinced of its ability that they backed him to win R260 000! A dream just before the 1982 race led a Free State woman to launch a betting spree on Jamaican Rumba. He won - and she won R250 000! Indeed, Vodacom Durban July Day seldom disappointments in the area of mega-payouts. Looking back over the past 5 years, we see that 2016 in particular delivered some breathtakers! The Pick 6 that year paid out over R4.3 million, the first Bipot of the day returned over R179 000, and the biggest Quartet of the day saw winners pocketing R152 159 each. Pick 6 dividends in 2015, 2017, and 2018 paid winners over R250 000 each on all occasions, while last year’s Pick 6 dividend was R161 198. Quartets on the day remain very worthwhile too… the biggest of these in each of the last three years has paid winners an average of R25 000 each. Some July Day PAYOUTS, last 5 years…

2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 Bipot 1 R3 193 R2 376 R784 R179 281 R7 475 Bipot 2 R180 R2 397 R428 R79 533 PA R688 R426 R101 R72 656 R1 138 Pick 6 R161 198 R276 892 R253 134 R4 332 556 R264 705 Jpt 1 R1 577 R1 442 R14 231 R33 924 R9 610 Jpt 2 R573 R19 919 R245 R19 740 R5 469

Biggest Quartet on day R24 607 R26 342 R23 978 R152 159 R82 066 Biggest Trifecta on day R5 410 R3 531 R2 451 R12 465 R8 418 Biggest Pick3 on day R6 646 R6 520 R2 600 R12 408 R1 746

7 HISTORICAL BITES

THE MOST RUNS GONDOLIER: Five times. 2nd in 1983; 5th in 1984; won in 1985; 6th in 1986; 7th in 1987. BEAU ART: Five times. 6th in 1977; 2nd in 1978; 5th in 1979; won in 1980; 8th in 1981. FLAMING ROCK: Four times. Won in 1991; unplaced in 1992; 3rd in 1993; 2nd in 1994. THE RANDS & CENTS OF HAVING A RUNNER Due to a general reduction in race stakes necessitated by the curtailment of racing during the Covid-19 lockdown measures, owners in this year’s event will compete for a total purse of R1.5 million. In the previous four years, the race stake was R4.25 million. This year the race entry costs have also been lowered. It costs owners R800 if they entered their horse at the first stage on 13 May. If they waited till the second entry stage (first supplementary entries) on 2 June it would have cost them R4 500 and if their horse was only entered at the final stage on 7 July the cost was R9 000. Added to these amounts is a First Declaration Fee on 1 June of R1 200 and a Second Declaration Fee of R2 000 on 22 June. The Final Declaration fee was R11 500 on 13 July which was refunded if the horse was not invited to run.

8 OH SO CLOSE! One of the closest finishes in the Vodacom Durban July was in 1989, when Right Prerogative defeated Tropicante by a whisker, but taking all the placed horses into account, the closest finish was in 1911, when the two-year-old Nobleman won by a short head, from Madsan. Third, a short head back, was Unemployed, with The Colugo a short head away in fourth place. Moreover, there was no photofinish camera in those days! In 1991 it was once again desperately close, with a long head, a neck and a short head separating Flaming Rock, Al Mufti, Rakeen and Spanish Galliard. Legendary commentator the late Ernie Duffield considered the closest finish to be between Mowgli and Radlington in 1952. He estimated the time taken for the placings to be announced to be the longest he had ever had to talk after a finish before the winner was declared. The year 2000 saw the controversial finish involving El Picha and Young Rake where the large crowd was held in suspense as the judges looked at photograph after photograph before declaring El Picha the winner for the second year running. But according to the pundits, as close as this finish was, it was still not as close as that between Mowgli and Radlington where, in order to make a decision, the judges blew the black and white photograph up so large that only the heads of the two horses were featured. Not quite as close but just as spectacular, in 2002, Piere Strydom believed his mount Angus had done enough after hitting the front with just metres to run. But he was foiled by one of the most brilliant pieces of tactical riding by Kevin Shea whose mount Ipi Tombe, near the back of the field and on the rail turning for home, was patiently steered across the field behind the leaders till the opening appeared through which he was able to drive the filly. She produced a sensational finishing burst to snatch victory virtually on the line by a head. The closest of finishes were clearly the only two winning dead heats in the race's 122 year history. Few will forget how top-weighted Sea Cottage went on to claim the race in 1967, and the hearts of the nation along with it, when bringing about the most memorable finish ever in this ultimate test for the thoroughbred, by dead heating for the honours with bottom-weight Jollify. And then again in 2008 we experienced another magical finish to this great horseracing event when the crowd favourites, the all conquering Pocket Power and the beautiful grey filly Dancer's Daughter passed the line as one.

9 I OBJECT, YOUR HONOUR!! The objection in 1931, lodged by the connections of Spilsby, against the 50/1 winner Agrippa, on the grounds of crossing, was overruled. The objection laid against the winner, St. Seiriol, in 1945, for bumping and boring, was overruled. The objection lodged on behalf of Distinctly, against Gatecrasher, in 1975, was upheld with 2nd placed Principal Boy being declared the winner. In 1979, Over The Air won, beating Sun Tonic and All The Aces. The objection hooter sounded soon after the horses crossed the line with the connections of the fourth-placed horse, Deep Magic, objecting against the second placed horse Sun Tonic. The grounds of the protest were crossing and taking up his running in the latter stages, and it was overruled. In 1994 the objection lodged on behalf of Pas De Quoi which finished fifth, against the winner Surfing Home, was upheld. The incident happened at approximately the 300 metre mark, where Surfing Home shifted inwards crossing Pas De Quoi who was forced to check and switch out to obtain a clear run. Then at the 100 metre mark Surfing Home shifted outwards resulting in Pas De Quoi being forced to check and lose position. Space Walk, who ran second, was declared the winner. In 2014 the objection hooter sounded shortly after the neck and neck finish with Legislate ultimately being awarded the race. At the top of the straight Legislate moved in to challenge Wylie Hall and these two fought side by side to the line. However, after giving Wylie Hall an initial bump, Wylie Hall began shifting out and slowly carried Legislate across the track making contact on at least three occasions. At the end of the running of the 2015 race a stunned silence fell over the capacity crowd when the objection hooter sounded after Power King crossed the line ahead of fellow outsider Punta Arenas. The two runners had come together towards the outside of the home straight with the Dean Kannemeyer charge under Stuart Randolph appearing to have shifted out onto Punta Arenas from the stable of Stan Elley. Jockey Ian Sturgeon, believing his mount had been hampered, lodged the objection but the head-on film showed clearly that although Power King had shifted out initially, Randolph had straigtened him and it was in fact Punta Arenas that had shifted in, bumping Power King twice – on the first occasion turning Power King’s hind quarters sideways.

10 Jockeying For Position MacDonald, Clements, Pickering, Crew, Garrett, Strydom, Fernandes, Feldman, Buckham, Sivewright, Rhodes, Puller, Sutherland, Fradd, Shea, Fayd’Herbe… History salutes this glorious list of jockeys who’ve twice claimed victory in this great race, but it’s a select few that have brought home a trifecta of winners, or better!

Anton Marcus: 5 Wins Dancing Duel 1993; El Picha 2000; Dunford 2005; Hunting Tower 2007; Do It Again 2018

Harold ‘Tiger’ Wright: 4 Wins Silver Phantom 1942; Brookhill 1947; Milesia Pride 1949; Preto’s Crown 1955

Piere ‘Striker’ Strydom: 4 Wins London News 1996; Trademark 2001; Pomodoro 2012; The Conglomerate 2016

Anthony Delpech: 4 Wins Classic Flag 1998; Greys Inn 2004; Bold Silvano 2010; Igugu 2011

Bert Hayden: 3 Wins Mazarin 1971; Yataghan 1973; Politician 1978

Felix Coetzee: 3 Wins Devon Air 1984; Royal Chalice 1988; Illustrador 1990

11 WINNING WEIGHTS

The most weight ever carried by a winner of this race was the 66 kgs carried by Campanajo, when recording his second consecutive victory in 1898. The year before he had shouldered 65,5 kgs.

In 1944 Monteith was piloted by Harry Berry, who weighed out with 59 kgs.

At the other end of the scale, the lowest weight ever carried by a winner was the 38,5 kgs carried by Nymagee, who started at 33/1 in 1904. Margin won the race twelve years later, also with 38,5 kgs, and both these winners were ridden by the same jockey, W Clements.

A TRIFECTA HEADACHE

Had the trifecta been around in 1937, it would have produced a huge payout, provided of course that there had been someone with the correct combination.

Ballyjamesduff, the winner, started at 40/1, and was followed home by Ygor at 50/1, and Dennis Blink at 20/1.

THE LONG & THE SHORT OF IT

The race has increased in distance over the years as indicated below:

1897 to 1905 1 mile 1 600m

1906 to 1912 1 mile 76 yards 1 668m

1913 to 1914 1 mile 1 furlong 1 800m

1915 to 1940 1 mile 2 furlongs 2 000m

1941 to 1969 1 mile 2.5 furlongs 2 100m

1970 1 mile 3 furlongs 2 200m

12 TOTE TURNOVER TAKES OFF

The tote figures have rocketed at an incredible rate over the more than a century of the race’s existence. A handsome profit of £425 sterling was declared after the 1897 raceday. The following year the turnover slumped, which resulted in a loss of £25 sterling for the Club. Last year, the national tote on Vodacom Durban July turned over R110 million.

ELECTRONIC TOTE SCREEN

2013 saw the introduction of not one, but two, huge permanent electronic tote and viewing LED display screens at Greyville Racecourse. The biggest of the two is some 16 metres by 9,5 metres and is reportedly the biggest permanent sports stadium screen in Africa. Positioned against the old progressive dividend board it not only shows the progressive dividends and payouts but it gives racegoers unparalleled viewing of all the racing action.

10 YEARS OF DEMOCRACY

In 2004 South Africa celebrated 10 years of democracy and, as if to acknowledge that milestone, Africa’s greatest horseracing event was won by Greys Inn wearing the number 10 saddlecloth proudly emblazoned with the South African flag.

THE FALSE RAIL FEATURES FIRST AT HOLLYWOODBETS GREYVILLE

The false rail has been a tremendous innovation in horse racing, as it has eliminated the boxing in of horses after entering the straight.

It was suggested to the Durban Turf Club by Arthur Gorton, who was a member of one of the country’s most established racing families. Hollywoodbets Greyville became the first course in South Africa to introduce the false rail.

13 THE HOLLYWOODBETS GREYVILLE TRACK

Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse is home to Africa’s Greatest Horseracing Event, the Vodacom Durban July, run over 2 200 metres. It is also home to the World Sports Betting 1900, the Daily News 2000 and the Woolavington 2000, and the Hollywoodbets Gold Challenge, all traditionally important pointers to the Vodacom Durban July. The country’s most prestigious staying race, the Gold Cup also takes place at the central city track. A pear-shaped, right handed track with a circumference of 2 800 metres, Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse has a run-in of 500 metres and no straight for sprints. Unusual features are the golf course in the centre of the track, the Drill Hall which obscures the 1 600 metre start and two subways. The construction of these subways resulted in the course having an uphill section from the 2 400 metre post up to the 1 800 metre position, thereafter a gentle downward slope for about 800 metres, followed by an uphill section from the 1000 metre mark into the straight.

14 Horses racing handy, frequently do well at Hollywoodbets Greyville and many a front runner has stolen a march on the opposition, especially when there is a strong south-westerly tail wind. Horses which race from off the pace also do well at Hollywoodbets Greyville, but ability to quicken is essential in such cases.

Inside draws are generally favoured over most distances up to 1 900 metres, but more so over 1 600 metres as the start is effected right on the top bend. The effort of overcoming a wide draw can be negated to some extent by the siting of the false rail, which enables the field to fan out, thereby obtaining a clear run to the winning post.

The new all-weather track, known as Polytrack, was completed in 2014 on the inside of the existing turf track from the 2000m mark and is 14m wide. The Polytrack eliminates, in most cases, the chances of racemeetings being cancelled or postponed due to inclement weather. TRACK PROFILE A pear-shaped, right handed track 1400m with a circumference of 2 800 1600m metres, Hollywoodbets Greyville has a run-in of 500 metres and no 1200m straight for sprints. 1800m 2000m 1000m 2200m 800m 2400m FINISH 200m 400m 600m

FINISH METRES ABOVE LOWEST POINT GRANDSTAND 10

5

28 26 24 22 20 18 16 14 12 10 8 6 4 2 0 DISTANCE FROM FINISH IN 100 METRES

15 TO FIND YOUR FANCY, LOOK TO CHAMPIONS SEASON It’s true - if you really want to have some fun finding your July fancy, go back and check out the results of some of the other important feature events earlier in Champions Season. Many of the entries for each year’s Vodacom Durban July begin arriving in KZN for South Africa’s Champions Season by late April or early May, and that’s when you can begin your search for your July winner. It’s become a well-watched guide: the other races that take place at Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse in the nine weeks leading up to the first Saturday in July are often valuable ‘pointers’ in picking the winner of the Vodacom Durban July. Races to watch out for in particular are the World Sport Betting Guineas, the World Sport Betting Fillies Guineas, The Independent on Saturday Drill Hall Stakes early in May, the World Sports Betting 1900 a few weeks later, the Daily News 2000, Woolavington 2000 and Hollywoodbets Gold Challenge run in June. Invariably, these events will feature several horses that have been entered for the Vodacom Durban July. A look at the past decade of the Vodacom Durban July reveals that nine of the past ten winners showed significant Champions Season form:- 2008 DANCER'S DAUGHTER AND POCKET POWER - Fabulous filly. Fantastic gelding. And together they gave the public much more in the way of "July Fever" than anyone could have imagined - a thrilling dead heat. Not surprisingly, one particular race features in the preparation of both these horses in 2008 - the Hollywoodbets Gold Challenge. Dancer's Daughter won the event, Pocket Power ran 4th. 2009 BIG CITY LIFE – In the build-up to the 2009 Vodacom Durban July, Big City Life followed a classic route towards the Big Race. He won the Gr 2 World Sports Betting Guineas and the Gr 1 Daily News 2000. 2010 BOLD SILVANO – Bold Silvano and Irish Flame rounded off a brilliant season for champion trainer Mike De Kock with an emphatic ‘1–2’ for the stable. In his build-up to the Big Race, Bold Silvano won the World Sports Betting 1900 in May and ran a close second to Irish Flame in the Daily News 2000 in early June.

16 2011 IGUGU – Having secured the Triple Tiara in April, Igugu made her Champions Season presence felt with victory in the Gr1 Woolavington 2000 in early June. 2012 POMODORO – Pomodoro surprised many when he came from the outside starting stall at the long odds of 20-1 to grab the 2012 Vodacom Durban July. Overtaken by a fast-finishing Smanjemanje close to home, Pomodoro had to fight back hard to grab a short head win on the line. On his way to the 2012 Vodacom Durban July, what caught the eye of racing journalists was the way Pomodoro quickened at the finish of the Daily News 2000 – a vital talent for July winners!

2013 VERCINGETORIX What might have been? His Champions Season build-up was impeccable – he won both the World Sports Betting Guineas and the Daily News 2000. As a Vodacom Durban July entry he had plenty of followers – and then came the sad news that a slight injury had prompted the stable – out of prudence – to withdraw him from the race.

2014 LEGISLATE – It was billed as the north-south battle of the champions with Legislate having won the Investec Cape Derby and then the World Sports Betting Guineas and Daily News 2000 at Greyville, while Louis The King had won the SASCOC Triple Crown comprising the Gauteng Guineas, SA Classic and SA Derby. Legislate had beaten Louis The King in the Daily News 2000 but the Gauteng champion had lost ground at the start and flew up late for third, so the tension of a battle between the two was still there. Legislate won the Vodacom Durban July on an objection but Louis The King never featured having found interference early in the race. 2015 POWER KING – The World Sports Betting 1900 featured strongly in the build up to the big event. Race winner Power King came a very close second in the Betting World 1900 - with Vodacom Durban July runner-up Punta Arenas a close third! 2016 THE CONGLOMERATE won the Daisy Guineas at Hollywoodbets Greyville in 2015, but came back a year later to show his form in two more Vodacom Durban July ‘pointers’. He ran fourth in the World Sports Betting 1900 in late May, and then crossed the line in third place in the Cup Trial in early June – only to be relegated to fourth on an objection. Three weeks later, he made no mistake in grabbing the ‘Big One’ on the first Saturday in July. 2017 MARINARESCO – Already boasting the impeccable credential of having finished a very close second in the 2016 Vodacom Durban July, this champ announced his arrival at last year’s Champions Season with a fluent win in the Independent On Saturday Drill Hall Stakes in early May. 2018 DO IT AGAIN – Already a two-time winner and runner-up in the 2018 Investec Cape Derby, Do It Again gave warning of his Hollywoodbets Greyville ability when claiming a one-and-a-quarter length victory in the World Sports Betting Guineas on the opening day of Champions Season, and then finished 4th in the G1 Daily News 2000 in early June. 2019 DO IT AGAIN – The winner – again! – last year Do It Again won the Hollywoodbets Gold Chalenge in early June.

17 UNDERSTANDING FORM

The basic theory of form is that a horse’s past performances are a good indicator as to how well it will run in the future.

Your challenge, when studying form, is to answer the question: “Given all this information, how will each horse perform today?”

The formline gives you literally hundreds of variables to ponder – and serious students of form are fascinated by all of it. But in the interest of just keeping things simple, we suggest you stick to studying three main aspects to start with:

1. Finishing Position. Has the horse won recently? Has it placed recently? Does it consistently run unplaced? Naturally, a horse with a consistent history of wins and places is more likely to reproduce that form in future.

2. Lengths Behind. When beaten, has the horse been well-beaten, or only narrowly defeated? A horse that has only been narrowly beaten on several occasions may be due for a win this time!

3. Distance. Has the horse competed over today’s race distance - or reasonably similar distance before? If so, how did it do? Studying the previous distance a horse has competed over may reveal a particular appetite for long distance races, or middle distance, or sprints. Is the horse running over his best distance today?

You can find your form in the official racecard, several commercially published formguides, or in the newspapers.

18 PARADE POINTERS WHAT TO SPOT?

Paddock deliberation is an essential weapon in your betting armoury. Many punters though, are often at a loss to know what to look for when casting an eye over a horse in the pre-race parade, which in more cases than not will provide an accurate clue to the outcome of the race.

With a few simple pointers you can now rectify this, and spotting winners could become a far more rewarding exercise.

One should bear in mind that horses are like humans. It doesn’t matter what they are capable of, if they’re not feeling up to it, they will not perform at their best.

The most noticeable difference between a racehorse in summer and winter is its coat. Most horses begin to grow winter coats in April or May, and the sheen of summer often turns dull. This can often have significant repercussions especially in fillies.

Learn to spot when a horse has ‘gone over the top’ - a sign that it has had enough of racing for the time being. This is usually indicated by signs of nervousness or lethargy in the parade ring. On the other hand a horse which does not usually sweat up, but suddenly does so, may be saying that it’s had enough for now.

Another sign to look out for is when a horse is ‘tucked up’ - i.e. looking a bit too skinny. Like any athlete, the racehorse cannot take extended periods of competitive racing - they enjoy a break.

When looking at two-year-olds (juveniles) who are making their first racecourse appearance, it is very important to bear in mind that many may be backward. This is often demonstrated by nervousness in the parade ring. In many instances these youngsters are merely in the race to gain experience, and will ‘come to hand’ with the experience of a run - sometimes two.

19 The trick though, is learning to spot a really fit horse. It will look hard and its coat is often a giveaway - it should look ‘alive’. A fit animal will also be on its toes and eager to get on with the task at hand, a trait often missing in its less tuned-up rivals. If you want a single indicator of fitness, simply look at the tummy: as with humans, the horse which carries too much belly is not likely to be fit.

There is an old racing saying that says ‘the horse which walks well will gallop well,’ so look out for a runner which covers a good deal of ground with every stride.

Form books only tell part of the story, as horses progress physically with time. This is particularly true in young horses. Take into account whether it looks mature and well built, or whether it still needs to fill out and mature.

A point to remember is that, in general, a good depth of rib cage, with plenty of hard, gleaming muscle, is preferable to the lean look.

Breeding is often a useful clue, but here you will have to know a little in order to make the right choice.

Generally a horse needs the right temperament to perform well. The stresses and strains of a big occasion can easily cause them to boil over. This does not necessarily mean an end to their chances, but generally getting all het up does nothing to improve a horse’s prospects.

Watch the horses canter down to the start, and look for the ones which stride out freely and eagerly, as they are generally fit and well and ready to enjoy their outing. Be wary of those that ‘stride short’ - that is, do not fully extend themselves. With the odd exception, this generally means that they are feeling something amiss, and usually these horses do not perform to their ability.

20 PARTS OF THE HORSE

Poll

Forelock Bridle path Crest

Muzzle Hip Withers Loin Croup Dock Point of Cheek Buttock or Jaw Throatlatch

Shoulder Point of Shoulder Heart Girth

Flank Stifle Forearm Barrel Elbow Gaskin Chestnut Knee

Cannon Hock

Pastern Coronet

Hoof Fetlock

21 THE BIGGEST AND SMALLEST FIELDS The biggest July field ever was in 1917, when 33 horses went to the start. On the other hand, the smallest July fields were in 1897 & 1908, when only seven horses ran. With the establishment of the new Polytrack on the inside of the main turf course in 2014, the width of the turf track was reduced to about 19m which necessitated the reduction of the big race field from 20 to 18 to give every runner a fair and safe chance and reduce the possibility of interference.

THE AGE OF THE WINNERS OVER 123 YEARS 2 year olds 1 win 5 year olds 26 wins 3 year olds 35 wins 6 year olds 11 wins 4 year olds 47 wins 7 year olds 5 wins

HOW THE FAVOURITES HAVE FARED The shortest priced winning favourite in the 123-year history of the Vodacom Durban July, was the legendary Sea Cottage. He started at odds of 11/10 in 1967, when getting up on the line to deadheat with Jollify.

The finish unquestionably rates as the most exciting ever, with the crowd going mad as the two horses flashed across the line locked together. There were emotion-packed scenes while the hordes of racegoers speculated on the judge's decision, with Robbie Sivewright on Sea Cottage, going into the number two box. Young John Gorton, on Jollify, made straight for the winner's enclosure, with his co-owner, the late Douglas Saunders, saying "Wait for the result . . . wait for the result."

22 Come the final week before the big day, it seems South Africa’s most asked question is: “What’s your fancy?” But why? What causes this frenzy? It’s probably a many-layered answer: 123 Years of Tradition One thing the world’s great events share is history - an unbroken heritage stretching back through time. The Vodacom Durban July spans three centuries, first run in 1897, and every year since. Big money at Stake That first running in 1897 was contested for a prize of 500 sovereigns. Big then. Big now. For the past three years, the big race has beeen contested for a stake of R4.25 million, but reduced to R1.5 million for 2020 due to the impact of the current coronavirus pandemic. Grade 1 Status The very best and most prestigious horseracing events internationally are graded 3, 2 or 1 according to their entry criteria. Grade 1 naturally describes the pinnacle of world racing, featuring the best horses. Prestige Sponsors Rothmans joined forces with the July in 1963 and remained sponsor until 2000. Rothmans was reluctant to end its association with the great race but the new tobacco laws of the country forbade it and sadly the longest running sponsorship of a major sporting event came to an end after its 38th year. For 2001, the race was run simply as the Durban July, but in 2002 the powerful Vodacom brand announced its sponsorship, and Africa’s Greatest Horseracing Event has continued to break new records each year. By invitation only Not the public, the horses! Yes, trainers start entering their horses at intervals from May - the final 20 carded runners in the Vodacom Durban July are selected based on the stature of their recent race achievements, and invited to contest the event. 2010 and 2020 - Extraordinary! As everybody knows, the July never deviates from its traditional place in the calendar - the first Saturday in July. But, as we all know, 2010 was an extraordinary year for sport. The Soccer World Cup programme in South Africa was paramount - and the Vodacom Durban July graciously made way. For 2010, Africa’s Greatest Horseracing Event moved to the last Saturday in July. This year, the big race has been deferred to Saturday 25 July in compliance with Government’s coronavirus control measures and will be run behind closed doors.

Gorton's only error was in believing that he had emerged a clear winner. Apart from this, the 21 year-old jockey, who won the Epsom Oaks on Sleeping Partner two years later, rode what trainer Fred Rickaby described as a "perfect race". The 2 lb. overweight which Jollify carried, however, may just have made the difference between winning and deadheating. A fitting postscript to that dramatic finish, was the presentation made by the Durban Turf Club to Jack Bradford, the handicapper. He was given a gold watch, suitably inscribed to commemorate his feat of bringing off a handicapper's dream - a deadheat in a major handicap. The honour of being the longest priced favourite to win the Vodacom Durban July is now shared by the 2006 winner Eyeofthetiger and the 1985 winner Gondolier who both started at 6/1. Gondolier however paid more for a One Rand win on the tote – R9.00 vs the R7.40 returned by Eyeofthetiger. In 1996 the popular London News won at 14/10, the same price that Dynasty won at in 2003. Prior to the sixties, the longest priced favourite was Blackmoor, in 1934, who started at 7/1, and finished unplaced in a field of 17 runners. On the other hand, the shortest priced favourite ever was Yard-Arm who seemed unbeatable in 2004 at 8/10. Unfortunately the confidence in Yard-Arm was not to be realised as the weight that he had to carry proved to be his undoing. He finished out of the placings. In 2008 the favourite Pocket Power and the second favourite Dancer’s Daughter dead heated for first. In 2011, the filly Igugu started as favourite and won at odds of 2/1. THE GREYS Many punters plumb for greys, and in 2008 their ships came home with the magnificent grey filly, Dancer's Daughter, in a winning dead heat with Pocket Power. Previously only four greys had ever won the race. The exquisite Thunder Sky was a popular fancy the year Kerason won, and Bodrum was a beaten favourite in 1985. Only the greys Silver Phantom in 1942, Jamaican Music in 1976, Jamaican Rumba in 1982, and Right Prerogative in 1989, had been successful. In 2004 the three-year old Greys Inn triumphed. Unfortunately for those who follow greys, he was only grey by name being a beautiful dark bay colt.

23 THE FILLIES AND MARES Fillies (female horses up to 4 years old) and mares (5 year old and older female horses) have won this great race eight and five times respectively, a total of 13 occasions. Peerless, a three year-old, was the first to take line honours in 1903. Margin won in 1916, Collet in 1922, Eunomea in 1923 and Moosme in 1926. It was not until 1951 that the mare Gay Jane, in the partnership colours of Dennis Labistour and Miss Molly Reynolds, brought smiles to the faces of thousands of female punters. The filly Migraine scored for the ladies in 1957, Diza scooted home for Frank and Jane Lambert in 1962, and then more than 20 years were to elapse before Tecla Bluff was to score in the colours of Sydney Press, in 1983. The very next year trainer Terrance Millard pulled off the race again, with the redoubtable mare Devon Air for the Scott brothers. Then in 2002, along came Ipi Tombe to rewrite the record books as the first three-year-old filly to win since Migraine 45 years earlier in 1957. The penultimate member of the fairer sex to win this magnificent race was Dancer’s Daughter in 2008, in the memorable dead heat with Pocket Power. In 2011, short-priced race favourite Igugu became the most recent filly to win the Vodacom Durban July in a nailbiting head-to-head with Pierre Jourdan. BARRIER DRAWS In years past, barrier draws have played a significant role in determining the result, but the cambering of the Hollywoodbets Greyville turn into the home straight has rendered this factor to be of less importance. The records show that seven runners drawn on the extreme outside have managed to win this great event. Kipling won in 1940, drawn 22; St Pauls in 1946, drawn at position 20. Beau Art overcame barrier position 17 (and the superstition that four white socks are the kiss of death for a racehorse) to romp home with Freddie Macaskill on board, in 1980. In 1991 the imported Flaming Rock started from stall gate 20, and unwound a devastating finish to win by a long head. Then, in 1998, Classic Flag did the impossible when starting from stall gate 18. He came from well off the pace then galloped away from his rivals to post an emphatic win. The three-year-old clocked a new race and course record time in the process. In 2003 Dynasty broke from the extreme outside draw at 20 and, fighting for his head and racing wide in the early stages, his task for a three-year-old carrying 53kg was a tough one. But, after finally settling down he produced an incredible finishing burst in the straight to get up and beat Yard-Arm by nearly a length. Priced at the long odds of 20-1, Pomodoro jumped from the outside stall in 2012 and fought hard to snatch a close victory under jockey Piere Strydom. In 2016, Strydom repeated the feat aboard The Conglomerate, making the best of the bad draw with a tactically brilliant victory.

24 25 26 27 Jungle Warrior 5 58 Respectable 4 52

Rakeen 4 51.5 28 54.0 3 Twist Of Fate Twist 59.5 4 Rainbow Bridge Rainbow Justin Snaith R. Fourie 71/20 10 60.0 4 Do It Again 1 2 15 04 2200m 2019

29 YEAR–BY–YEAR 1897 - 2017 1897 Between 2000 and 3000 people attended the meeting on the 17th July 1897, which was the first held under the rules of the Jockey Club of South Africa.

Messrs Donaldson and Doyle ran the totalisator on every race, and during the afternoon the sum of £1611 was invested. But with one exception, dividends were small, with racing over in time for visitors to catch their trains without having to hurry.

1898 The course was in very good order, the fields abnormally strong, and the finishes a feather in the cap of the handicapper, Mr J Shepstone. When the handicapping is good, a judge’s powers are often severely taxed. Such was the case at this meeting, when two finishes at least were so close that scarcely anyone but the judge could say with any degree of certainty which horse had won.

1899 There was an unfortunate accident earlier in the meeting in the Hurdle Handicap, when Mr Coley’s mount went down. He struck the ground heavily, and was carried off the field unconscious. There was medical assistance on hand, and on examination it was found that Mr Coley was suffering from “concussion of the brain, and also a suspected broken nose”.

1900 The first July of the 20th century was contested for a stake of £750, and was a brilliant trial of strength. With the exception of Pilcomayo and Lautaro, all the horses expended every ounce of energy they could muster. Messrs Osler and Blake owned the first two horses past the post, Verdant Green and Apollo, who were separated by a head.

1901 An attractive eight race programme went off without a hitch. A feature of the racing was the uniform victory of popular fancies, and even where the favourite failed to catch the judge’s eye, its supporters had the benefit of a good run for their money.

30 1902 Seventeen runners lined up for the big race in 1902, and it was indeed a great honour to the handicapper that so many owners felt great confidence in winning the race.

1903 Officials expressed great disappointment at the number of scratchings that took place during the day. The fields on the whole were good, but 51 scratchings out of a total of 141 entries must be something of a record.

1904 A record nineteen runners lined up for the race, with the heat of the day causing many runners to sweat up in the parade ring. The start, which was not visible from the stand, was delayed by twenty minutes.

1905 The Durban Turf Club Handicap was still being contested over a mile. The total stake was now £1 500, of which £150 went to the runner up and £100 to the third horse home. The winner, Chere Amie, was a six year old trained by his owner, Mr R Wootton.

1906 After the adjournment for lunch, there was general exodus to the paddock to inspect the candidates for the big race. When Bonnie Dundee was declared the winner, the result was received with comparative silence, and although nobody could grudge the stable their win, the result would have been far more acceptable to the general army of punters, if the favourite had got its head past the post first.

1907 The large number of bookmakers present was probably responsible for the general grumble amongst the knights of the pencil, in reference to the scarcity of money. Competition in this direction was, of course, keen and it was quite refreshing for punters at Greyville to hear “4-1 the field”.

1908 It was large fields, splendid sport and Corriecrian again in 1908. The vice-regal party arrived promptly at the time announced, up the straight from Marriott Road, and received a warm welcome when the band struck up the national anthem.

1909 The winner, King’s Favourite was purchased at an auction held in conjunction with the Dublin show, and cost 650 guineas as a yearling. He was bred at Fort Union Stud, and was by Morganatic out of Favora, a good win-getting mare, who was the property of well-known Irish breeder Peter Fitzgerald. Father of the winning trainer Mr H E de Mestre, prepared five winners of the Melbourne Cup in Australia.

31 1910 There was a splendid finish, and unquestionably the best horse won by sheer stamina, but there was no doubt that the pace at which the race was run favoured Sir Caulin. The tote turnover reached a new record of £11 286.

1911 This finish proved to be an absolute nightmare for the judge, who did not have the assistance of a photo-finish camera. The official winning distances were a short head, a short head and a short head, and the time recorded by the two-year-old, Nobleman, was one minute 45 seconds.

1912 It was not a good race meeting for punters, the winners during the day being returned at 4/6 : 4/1 : 7/1 : 8/1 : 9/1 : 10/1 100/8 : 20/1. The crowd was easily a record one, with most of the money in circulation being handled by the bookies. This was due to the splendid prices offered, which could be attributed to the presence of visiting layers, who helped keep competition on the keen edge.

1913 A scarcely perceptible pause and the numbers were in the frame, sealing the fate of the much discussed July Handicap. For the fourth time in successive years Fred Murray, master of his profession, led in the winner to the continued cheers of the crowd. Caged Bird, the winner, was bred by Mr Homan in England.

1914 Not only were the payouts conspicuous for constant delays, but the calculations occupied a considerable time in some instances. The necessity of an automatic totalisator was emphasised again, and it was hoped by those who attended that the stewards would adopt the principle at the first opportunity, when in a position to afford the outlay.

1915 For the first time the distance was increased to the equivalent of 2000 metres. The winner, Winnipeg, was confidently supported by his connections to take the honours, and they had all placed their bets two weeks prior to the race, when he was still quoted at 100/7. Winnipeg, a three-year-old, was sired by King’s Favourite, who won the July six years earlier in 1909, also at the age of three. Both horses carried the equivalent of 43 kgs, and were trained by H de Mestre. The time clocked by Winnipeg was not bettered for 10 years.

1916 With the war on, less media attention was paid to the July. For the second consecutive year the race was won by a horse carrying number 12 saddle cloth, and over the years, this number has been successful on six occasions.

32 1917 A record number of 33 runners faced the starter. Many were of the opinion that the July could not be termed a race because of the number of runners. A dash and scramble followed a good start. The time was not good, owing to the slow running over the last 2 furlongs, the first mile having been raced from pillar to post.

1918 Ready-for-service suits were advertised at 75 shillings and tweed coats at 35 shillings on the morning of the race. Pamphlet won the race, a feat to be repeated in 1920.

1919 While Goldwing was being hailed a hero after his win, the ostrich feather trade was booming. The weekly sales averaged seven and a half tons; this was valued at £40 000. Racing during the course of the day was clean and straight, which was due to the Durban Stewards, and the sporting feeling that existed among the visiting and local owners. The Stewards exercised the utmost vigilance throughout the day, and had any member of the racing community been carpeted, and his explanations found unsatisfactory, his licence would have been a thing of the past.

1920 The introduction of Rand and Cape horses, due to the wishes of owners, trainers and jockeys gave pleasure to regular racegoers. They had become tired of seeing the same horses competing, with success varying according to luck in some cases. For some unknown reason, the start was delayed by 35 minutes, which was regarded as deplorable. Pamphlet completed a double, having won the race in 1918.

1921 Longstop, a bay colt, was in Sam Loates’ stable in England, and his first outing was in the Hylton Handicap over a mile at Liverpool, where he finished fifth. He won his second outing over the same distance, and then went on to finish second twice, and was unplaced twice. When he reached South Africa he had three outings, and failed to find a place. His win in 1921 justified his importation.

1922 Bondsman, the runner up to Collet, was a huge four-year-old. He travelled well to Durban by train, but the English colt was so big, that here and there he lost patches of hair through rubbing against the box. Bondsman produced an electrifying finish and only just failed to collar the winner.

33 1923 Eunomea hugged the rails most of the way, but Johnny Otto sent his mount on her mission coming out of the dip. At a point where many confidently expected to see her beaten for stamina, she came away to whip the best of them at their own professed game.

1924 The winner, Oriel, was a troublesome horse who always displayed signs of lameness, and there were doubts in the minds of many that he would survive even a little bump in the race. The pain suffered by Oriel prior to his big win put him right off his feed. For days he would not eat, and this naturally lead to great anxiety. Even on the morning of the race, he declined to eat, and turned away from the daintiest morsels offered him.

1925 Her Royal Highness Princess Alice was at the races to witness Bird Of Prey defeat Narrow Gauge. The shroud which had enveloped womens’ fashion was abruptly cast aside, with a new type of female suddenly coming into existence. Needless to say, fashion at the races that year reached new heights.

1926 Over 30 000 racegoers attended the meeting, while many thousands more congregated at the starting post, and at various points along the course. In view of the pressing nature of their social and other duties, the Stewards decided to delegate the duties of watching the running of the race to three gentleman, Jack Stayt, H Horniman and John Mortley, who posted themselves at various points of vantage along the course.

1927 The English bred Hussein was purchased out of the stable of W Waugh, and cost his owner 1 500 guineas landed. Arriving in South Africa in the October prior to his win, he was hawked around the country, but buyers fought shy of him. Hussein was the first Cape Town horse to win the July, and discounted his reputation of being a rogue, unreliable and a non-stayer.

1928 It was a black Saturday for Natal owners, with eight of the nine races carded being won by visiting horses. The total stakes amounted to £8 360, of which £7 865 left Natal. There were four scratchings from the main race, while finishes during the course of the afternoon were all closely contested. The tote turnover reached a new record of £58 903 10 shillings.

34 1929 The following was a description of Gifted, which appeared in a newspaper following his win: “For a seven-year-old stallion, Gifted is of the light-fleshed type, and at first glance would pass as a gelding”. His victory was made even more amazing by virtue of the fact that he was inoculated against biliary five weeks prior to the big race, which meant that his training was interrupted.

1930 In one of his early races in the Cape, Full Dress “curled up” badly under the whip, and from then on it was an unvarying instruction, that under no circumstances was the whip to be drawn on him. Trainer Syd Garrett commended Cookie Amos on the way he rode Full Dress throughout the race, resisting the temptation, which must have been great, especially as the horse came from a long way back.

1931 The favourite and second favourite, Historian and Emperor, had their chances ruined the moment the race was under way, when Freddie Maisch seemed to throw judgement to the wind, as he tore off at a terrific pace. Never before in the history of the race, had the first three furlongs been so rapidly covered. They were run in 34 seconds.

1932 Findhorn’s win was a credit to the skill of his trainer Ernie Ryan, for his superb condition undoubtedly won him the race. He was sold for a mere £140, at the Newmarket Sales in England, and exported to this country with the reputation of being a pure sprinter. Being a remarkably sound horse he stood up to the severe preparation, and not only won the July, but 1931 Winner: Agrippa broke the course record!

35 1933 The race was packed with thrills. Two riderless horses thundered by with the “also rans”, while the ambulance men rushed out to attend to their fallen jockeys, Jimmy Buckham, who was dragged off Lightning Star by the starting tapes, and Reg Passmore, who was thrown when Lightning Star, galloping with the field, collided with Illustration.

1934 Sun Tor carried as much, or more stable money than any other candidate, and a great responsibility rested on the shoulders of little Rugg. The lad narrowly escaped serious injury on the Wednesday before the race when he had such a bad fall at Greyville, that it was feared that he would not be able to ride Sun Tor. Despite his suffering, he rode a really masterly finish from the road, and getting every ounce out of Sun Tor, he snatched the race from Eccentric on the post.

1935 Black clouds came scudding overhead, and warning of the rain to come was given by a few drops that fell as the candidates made their way onto the course. The big race itself was not marred by wet weather, but rain began to fall fairly heavily by the time the next race was due to be run, and continued the rest of the afternoon.

1936 Great resentment was expressed by thousands of people who were inconvenienced by the refusal of the Durban tramwaymen to man the special trams to the racecourse. Many walked and taxis and rickshas were at a premium. Strong comment was heard at the way in which the public had been penalised by the tramwaymen on this day of all days!

1937 Starting prices on the first five horses past the post were 40/1, 50/1, 20/1, 40/1, and 50/1. The Irish bred Ballyjamesduff was owned by Mrs M Henkes, the first woman owner to win the July. Third placed Dennis Blink, also from the Emerald Isle, was owned by her husband Mr A E Henkes, and both were trained in Johannesburg by J A Azzie.

1938 Besides being one of the lightest weights in the race, Extinguisher II was also the youngest horse. He was only the second three-year-old to win the July since 1915, when the distance was changed to a mile and a quarter. His owner Mr A E Capelli, a Johannesburg businessman, lay ill in London, but listened to the race on the telephone at a cost of £1per minute.

36 1939 Although war was looming and grey skies were threatening, the women spectators turned up at Greyville in very gay colours, and the rain which fell later did little to dampen their enthusiasm. The race was won by Silver Spear, who was carded and drawn number 1.

1940 After an interval of seven years, a Durban based horse won the richest race in the country. The French bred Kipling registered an easy victory, which was made more remarkable by the fact that he had been in the country only a few months.

1941 The Durban Turf Club’s second wartime July was a brilliant social occasion. Visitors from overseas and all parts of Africa were present, and there was a brave array of naval and military uniforms. It was a cosmopolitan meeting, with French, Dutch and Portuguese being heard in the Members’ enclosure.

1942 With the war still on, the July meeting was used for one of the most impressive recruiting demonstrations seen in Durban. Prominently displayed before the stands was an immense poster, “Avenge Tobruk”. Two columns of armoured cars were drawn up before the crowd, each bearing the slogan “7 000 fighting men wanted to avenge Tobruk. What about you?” Meanwhile, the band of the Royal Marines played Die Stem.

1943 For the first time in the Club’s history, the Stipendiary Stewards had full charge of the meeting, which went off without major incident. A new South African tote record was established, with takings of £114 836.

1944 The biggest crowd ever to assemble at Greyville racecourse during the 48-year-old history, witnessed the favourite, Monteith, finally win. The victory was a meritorious one in view of the interference suffered, and it was only the superb handling by his jockey Harry Berry, and the great courage of the horse, that overcame this. He was cut off at the start and again approaching the six furlong mark, where he was knocked back from fourth to last.

1945 The objection hooter sounded immediately after the winning numbers were displayed, and an objection was laid for bumping and boring against the winner, St Seiriol. The inquiry was disposed of in about half an hour, with the Stewards declining to upset the judge’s verdict.

37 1946 The Durban Turf Club marked the 50th running of the July Handicap by raising the stake for the race to £7 500. The diminutive St Pauls was described as “a fine looker with plenty of stamina”, and his owner Pat Goss, and trainer Dougie Talbert, never entertained the slighest doubts about winning the race. In fact, they had expected to do so the previous year, but an attack of biliary early in St Pauls’ preparation set him back, had to be content with fourth place instead.

1947 The following report appeared in a newspaper on the Monday following Brookhill’s win: “The Durban Turf Club presented a meeting that bordered on perfection on Saturday. Except that the rails at the start of the July Handicap were rather crowded and that two bicycles were on the track behind the Drill Hall with their wheels protruding on to the course proper”.

1948 If ever the appearance of a racehorse belied its racing ability, that was the case with the five-year-old gelding Monasterevan. He was a medium sized horse with a bald white face and three white stockings, and many thought he looked like a child’s pony. Yet, when Cyril Buckham urged him on, Monasterevan gave of his best and produced a finishing run that was not matched.

1949 Milesia Pride’s runaway win was by far the most popular July victory since Pamphlet scored his second success back in 1920. For jockey Tiger Wright, it was the greatest day of his very successful career, becoming the first jockey ever to partner three July winners. 1949 Winner: Milesia Pride

1950 Purchased in Ireland as a two-year-old, Milesia Pride cost his 86 year old owner, J T Amery, £1100. When he notched up his second July win, he eclipsed Ante as the record stake earner in South Africa, having won more than £20 000 in prize money.

1951 At a time when imported horses virtually dominated the feature races, Gay Jane’s win provided local breeders with a much needed boost. She was a product of Dagbreek Stud, at Nottingham Road, and had a capped hock and a calloused swelling on the near-fore knee, which she sustained when struck by lightning.

39 38 1952 Three weeks before winning the race, Mowgli was on sale for £3 000. Nobody was prepared to purchase him at that price, so he was retained by his owner, A R Ellis. Several days after he was offered for sale, Mowgli won the £2 000 Clairwood June Handicap, and when winning the July, he earned another £10 000. 1953 The public fancied the outsiders in 1953, with more “ten-bobs” than “tenners” being wagered by punters. Just as many bets were laid with bookmakers as ever before, but the size of the bet was much smaller. Significantly, many more outsiders were strongly fancied, and bookmakers interpreted this as a sign that money was scarce, and that with less money to stake, the man in the street wanted to try and win the same amount as usual with a smaller outlay. 1954 C’est Si Bon was not only the winner of the July, but also a big hit for singer Danny Kaye that year. Beaten in a B Division race at Clairwood several weeks before, the three-year-old son of Sadri II was neglected in the betting. A hushed crowd watched the delighted connections lead the horse into the winner’s enclosure, and the next day thousands of disillusioned punters made their way back home, after suffering heavy losses. 1955 Black punters formed nearly half of the 51 000 crowd to attend, and the club assured them that they would be able to see the race in comfort the following year. Work started immediately after the end of the winter season on doubling the accommodation in the “Native Ring”. 1956 The Rhodesian-bred Spey Bridge won by a neck, after finishing runner up in 1954. Trained by H E Amos, he carried 9st 2lb, and with the exception of Monteith, was the only horse since Pamphlet, in 1920 to shoulder more than 9 stone. In honour of his outstanding achievements, Zimbabwe’s annual racing awards are known as the Spey Bridge Awards. 1957 Excited women punters threw their hats into the air when Migraine, the only filly in the race, scored by a long head. Several women fainted and some were so overcome with emotion that they flopped down on the grass and stayed there until the payout windows opened. 1958 For the first time in South African turf history, the stipendiary stewards could keep in touch with each other during the running of the July, by means of a telephone system. From their vantage points and observation towers, three of them reported on the progress of the race. 1959 As the weather prophets predicted, it was one of the dullest days in July memory but the grey skies did not deter the enthusiasm of the great crowd of 45 000, who roared excitedly, as Tiger Fish finished two lengths ahead of Prairie Quail. The winner was owned by mining magnate Harry Oppenheimer, together with his wife Bridget.

39 1960 For trainer Syd Garrett, number 13 saddle cloth proved to be incredibly lucky. Left Wing, owned and trained by him, carried this number saddle cloth, and so did Sadri II, winner in 1941.

1960 Winner: Left Wing

1961 Kerason gave the great Syd Laird his first winner of the race, when, starting at 40/1, he upstaged the favourite Hyacinth, who was none other than his stable companion. Bookmakers, though, were well pleased with the result, especially as money was tight. One of them quipped, “We would have made three times as much a few years ago”.

1962 The four-year-old Diza was carded number 12 in the race, and started from the same barrier position. She was leased from the Birch brothers, and the win in the July was her eighth from 15 starts.

1963 Rothmans entered the sponsorship arena, and increased the stake to R30 000. After chalking up a brilliant win, the three-year-old Colorado King was sold to America for 15 000 dollars. In the States, he equalled the world record for nine furlongs on 1963 Winner: Colorado King grass, and after winning seven races there, was retired to stud.

1964 A crowd of 50 000 assembled at Greyville that year. Many African punters admitted to backing Jerez and also the eventual winner Numeral, after consulting witch doctors who had studied the bones. 1964 Winner: Numeral

1965 Two jockeys were hurt when falling from their mounts during the running of the race, and an inquiry into the cause issued afterwards stated, “There is no evidence of any malpractice”. Johnny McCreedy was taken to hospital, suffering from concussion, and Duncan Alexander suffered minor injuries which were treated on course. The horse Doctor John sustained a broken jaw, while Rose Knight escaped unhurt.

40 1966 After being shot early one morning on the beach at Blue Lagoon a few weeks prior to the race, Sea Cottage gave a gutsy performance when filling fourth place. The race was won by his stable companion, Java Head, who clocked the fastest time since the race had changed to 2 100 metres, 29 years previously.

1967 Without doubt the most thrilling and emotional finish was the one in which Sea Cottage deadheated with Jollify. As the pair flashed across the line, the crowd went mad. After his win in the July, Sea Cottage set a new South African record for stake earnings of R92 537.

1967 Winner: Sea Cottage 1968 The dupla on Chimboraa and William Penn returned a dividend of R1 578.10. Starting at 33/1, Chimboraa was a rank outsider.

1969 An all time record of R1 243 687 was wagered on the tote, but it was a bad day for the bookies when the three favourities, Naval Escort, Home Guard and Coast Guard duly obliged before a record crowd of 65 000.

1969 Winner: Naval Escort

1970 Mickey Livanos told a Sunday newspaper: “I backed Court Day to win R200 000. My wife had a bet on him last week to win R60 000". That’s not all, they also took home R33 750 in stake money. Livanos was so confident of taking the honours that he booked air tickets earlier in the week for his son, in Johannesburg. Handing them over, he said, “Listen to the July on the radio. As soon as you hear we’ve won, fly down to Durban and celebrate with us".

41 1971 Once Mazarin got the bit between his teeth in the straight, there was no stopping him. Marty Schoeman, jockey of the runner up, Home Truth, went on record as saying, “The faster I chased Mazarin, the further he went ahead”. 1971 Winner: Mazarin

1972 The tote turnover reached a new record of R2 061 988,50, as did the jackpot and place accumulator, which yielded R321 057 and R187 011,50 respectively. David Payne, who rode Chimboraa in 1968, became the youngest trainer, at 24, to win the race, when he 1972 Winner: In Full Flight saddled In Full Flight.

1973 Syd Laird, trainer of Yataghan, was not on course to witness first hand his record breaking sixth win. He was at home recovering from a heart attack, and had been ordered to take things easy. After listening to a commentary of the race on the radio, he went to Greyville, to 1973 Winner: Yataghan congratulate the owners.

1974 The favourite, Jamaican Music, clipped the heels of the horse in front of him after travelling 150 metres. He pecked, partially recovered and pecked again, dislodging jockey Tom Rattley. Jamaican Music kept going, weaving through the field to cross the line first. The winner, Riboville, carried number 13 saddle cloth, giving this number its seventh success.

42 1975 Gatecrasher lost the race after an objection lodged on behalf of Distinctly, on the grounds of bumping, was upheld. The race was then given to the runner up, Principal Boy, with Gatecrasher relegated to third place. It was not an easy decision for the stipes, who took half an hour to reach their decision.

1976 It was third time lucky for the grey Jamaican Music, who came home a neck ahead of Arion in the R75 000 race. The 80th running of the July was a coup for veteran jockey Bert Abercrombie. He told reporters after the race, “It was third time lucky.

1977 There was a stir in the winner’s enclosure after Lightning Shot 1976 Winner: Jamaican Music was led in, when a woman in a silver see-through outfit embraced the horse, and had to be led away. She was later taken to Addington Hospital with a severe rash as she was allergic to horses!

1978 A speechless Syd Laird had to be assisted into the winner’s enclosure, after Politician gave him his seventh July win. This record was established over a 17 year period. Meanwhile, the fashions sported by the ladies were also winners as elegance and good taste took precedence over outrage.

1979 Bookmakers danced for joy when the 10/1 chance Over The Air snatched the lion’s share of the R100 000 prize money. The objection lodged by the trainer of fourth placed Deep Magic, against the runner up, Sun Tonic, was overruled, and was regarded as frivolous by the stipes. 1979 Winner: Over The Air 1980 Sixty thousand people packed Greyville, and celebrated Beau Art’s win, or mourned their losses. For Jockey Freddie Macaskill it was only celebrations; made even more special as it was his 26th birthday.

43 THE AGE OF THE WINNERS OVER 123 YEARS 2 year olds 1 win 5 year olds 26 wins 3 year olds 35 wins 6 year olds 11 wins 4 year olds 47 wins 7 year olds 5 wins

HOW THE FAVOURITES HAVE FARED The shortest priced winning favourite in the 123-year history of the Vodacom Durban July, was the legendary Sea Cottage. He started at odds of 11/10 in 1967, when getting up on the line to deadheat with Jollify.

The finish unquestionably rates as the most exciting ever, with the crowd going mad as the two horses flashed across the line locked together. There were emotion-packed scenes while the hordes of racegoers speculated on the judge's decision, with Robbie Sivewright on Sea Cottage, going into the number two box. Young John Gorton, on Jollify, made straight for the winner's enclosure, with his co-owner, the late Douglas Saunders, saying "Wait for the result . . . wait for the result."

1981 The Durban Turf Club imposed a ban on jeans which contributed to the higher standard of dress, although there were still those who decided to shed almost all for the raceday crowds, and cameras. Only three out of forty-one tipsters forecast victory for Big Charles. 1982 A Free State woman had a dream on the Monday preceding the race, that the grey Jamaican Rumba would win. She went on a betting spree which resulted in her netting R250 000 in total. 1983 The Argentinian bred Tecla Bluff, a R150 000 purchase, became the first filly in 21 years to win the July. She gave Cape maestro Terrance Millard his first win in the race. 1984 Jockey Felix Coetzee attributed his win on Devon Air to the fact that he switched his whip at the crucial moment. Terrance 1983 Winner: Tecla Bluff Millard worked on Devon Air’s legs with great patience to get them back into shape. Instead of working her on grass, he opted for sand, and his plan yielded rich rewards for all concerned. 1985 A Durban acupuncturist used his needles and also massage, on jockey Billy Harvey to get him fit enough to meet his riding engagement on Gondolier. Harvey had dislocated his right shoulder when falling during a training ride. 1986 Terrance Millard made July history when horses trained by him filled the first three places. They were Occult, Fool’s Holme and Enchanted Garden. Winning jockey Bartie Leisher had to trim down to 50.5 kgs to ride the winner and as a result of spending time in the sweatbox, the course doctor had to treat him for dehydration. 1987 Bush Telegraph rewrote the record book, when he became the first three-year-old in 14 years to win the race, set a new record and maintain his unbeaten record, when making it 9 out of 9. For 35-year-old Garth Puller, the taste of success was even sweeter, as he had embarked on a strict diet to shed an incredible 6 kgs. 1987 Winner: Bush Telegraph

44 1988 On the main race alone, punters wagered R4 176 337. Millard, now well on his way to eclipsing Laird’s record, notched up his fourth win with the chestnut colt, Royal Chalice.

1989 Only 17 000 brave people trekked to a rain sodden Greyville. Due 1988 Winner: Royal Chalice to heavy overnight rain, together with a steady fall during the morning, it was decided that the July would be the first race. Many of the sodden punters on course opted for the grey Right Prerogative. They were rewarded when he came up trumps. 1990 The Argentinian gelding, Illustrador, caused a sensation, when trouncing his opposition, giving Millard his sixth win. He once again emulated an earlier feat, by saddling the first three past the post. 1991 Terrance Millard retired at the end of the 1990/91 season, which meant that the legendary Syd Laird’s record would remain intact for many more decades. The Irish import, Flaming Rock, overcame his draw of 20, when getting up in the shadow of the post to wrest the honours from another import, Al Mufti. 1992 Newspaper headlines on Thursday July 2, screamed ‘HUGE JULY BLOW’ as a result of the shock scratching of the hot pot favourite, Empress Club. The race went to Spanish Galliard, a 6 yr old known by many as the Bridesmaid’ because he never seemed to really quite make it. 1993 The winning favourite, Dancing Duel, provided the Millard family with another historic chapter, when giving young Tony his first winner of the race. 1994 The American import, Surfing Home, crossed the line a head clear of Space Walk, but after an objection was relegated to fifth place for causing interference to Pas De Quoi. No victory parade took place for Space Walk which was declared the winner, due to the fact that it took a while for the outcome of the objection to be officially announced. 1995 Teal, the horse nobody wanted to purchase as a yearling, stole the hearts of the nation when scoring an emphatic victory. The diminutive son of Foveros was sent home from two sales when failing to 1995 Winner: Teal reach his reserve price.

45 1996 London News, without doubt, will go down as one of the greatest winners of the July, for not only did he notch up a brilliant win in the historic 100th running of this race, but against all odds, he went on to win the most prized race in Hong Kong, the Queen Elizabeth II Cup, just over nine months later.

1997 It was a dream come true for racing’s golden boy, Michael Roberts, when at the 16th attempt, he finally managed to win the July. 1996 Winner: London News Internationally renowned as a tactical maestro, Michael produced one of the finest performances of his career when guiding Super Quality to victory with three parts of a length to spare.

1998 Bargain buy, Classic Flag, equalled the course record when winning by a margin of a length and a half, under a masterful ride from Anthony Delpech. An ecstatic Anthony said after the race: “Although I was badly drawn at 18, it worked in my favour. When I came into the straight I knew I had the race.” 1998 Winner: Classic Flag 1999 It was a dream come true for jockey Robbie Hill who had sustained a serious injury six months prior to the race that almost curtailed his career. The 42 year-old raced wide for most of the trip on El Picha and once in the straight he wasted no time in setting sail for home. The Argentinian import responded with alacrity and did more than enough to thwart the determined efforts of Michael Roberts on Classic Flag.

2000 This race will be remembered for two reasons – the sensational finish where El Picha held on by the proverbial whisker to win the country’s most prestigious race for the second year running, and of course the controversy over the photo-finish which eventually declared El Picha the winner over Young Rake.

1999 & 2000 Winner: El Picha

46 2001 Piere Strydom was confident and settled Trademark in the early stages as Badger’s Drift, Classic Flag, Fort Defiance and Celtic Grove set a strong. Celtic Grove made an early dash for victory in the home straight but Trademark exploded out of the pack 2001 Winner: Trademark and ran him down to win the race in course record time.

2002 In spite of her impressive record in her build-up races to the Vodacom Durban July, few gave the three-year-old Zimbabwean-bred filly Ipi Tombe a realistic chance. From her outside draw she raced near the back of the field. As the front-runners began to tire Ipi Tombe was 2002 Winner: Ipi Tombe weaving her way through the traffic. In the very final strides she burst through to snatch the honours from Angus and the fast-finishing Tytola. 2003 When the pens opened Piere Strydom took Yard-Arm, drawn 11, to the front of the field while Robbie Fradd battled to settle Dynasty, drawn 20 and the Fort Wood colt was forced to race wide for some way. In the straight Yard-Arm was still running strongly and looked like he could hold on to win, but Dynasty produced a great finishing burst and ran him down to win going away by nearly a length. 2003 Winner: Dynasty

2004 Stable companions Cousin John and Yard-Arm set the early gallop with the three-year-olds further back in the field. Coming off the false rail in the home straight Grand Emporium moved up smartly to take the lead. With Yard-Arm beginning to feel the effects of the 58kg, the light-weights began streaming past him and Greys Inn put in a strong finishing 2004 Winner: Greys Inn burst to win impressively.

47 2005 This was a year of triumph for the unfancied 20-1 outsider, Dunford. The four-year-old, a son of Shalford trained by Mike Bass and ridden by Anton Marcus, was considered an outsider by all but his stable.

2005 Winner: Dunford

2006 Statistics showed that as a three-year-old Eyeofthetiger could not win with 54kg on his back – it had never been done in more than 100 years. But, like some of the really great horses before him, he more than rose to the occasion, defying his weight and recording 2006 Winner: Eyeofthetiger one of the fastest times since 1970.

2007 With just one win to his credit in the previous 12 months, few believed the four-year-old Fort Wood gelding had it in him to conquer the country’s best in the toughest race on the African continent, but that he did. When Hunting Tower flashed across the finish line it gave Charles Laird his first win in the race, Anton Marcus his fourth and placed the famous name of his owner, Mrs. Bridget Oppenheimer, on 2008 Winners: Pocket Power the famed sash for the fourth time. and Dancer’s Daughter 2008 Pocket Power and Dancer's Daughter, both produced awesome performances as they came together in the home straight fighting neck and neck and crossing the line as one horse. The eventual dead-heat result was justice well done.

2009 The three-year-old son of Casey Tibbs started second favourite to Pocket Power and when the pens opened he was quickly into stride. Swinging into the home straight Big City Life, to the cheers of the crowd,stormed past to hit the front with Zirconeum mounting a gallant but fruitless challenge in the final strides to the finish. 2009 Winner: Big City Life

48 2010 Bold Silvano and Irish Flame rounded off a brilliant season for champion trainer Mike de Kock as they thundered to victory in the Vodacom Durban July. Roared on by a capacity crowd of 50 000 people, the two fought a thrilling duel down the home straight with Bold Silvano holding on to win by a length.

2010 Winner: Bold Silvano

2011 It was the second year in a row that the maestro trainer Mike de Kock and one of his chief stable jockeys Anthony Delpech had won the race and it was a fourth July win for both of them respectively.

2011 Winner: Igugu

2012 Pomodoro went out to prove that the difficulty of stall gate 20 was not going to be material to his chances. It gave Piere ‘Striker’ Strydom his third victory in the big race and the first for both trainer Sean Tarry and owner and breeder Chris van Niekerk. 2012 Winner: Pomodoro

2013 Aboard Heavy Metal that day was S’Manga Khumalo who was riding at the top of his game. Khumalo made history in becoming the first black jockey to win the race.

2013 Winner: Heavy Metal

2014 The controversy surrounding the official result to the race will form part of the colourful fabric of Africa’s greatest race with Legislate being declared the winner on objection after being beaten across the line 2014 Winner: Legislate by 33-1 outsider Wylie Hall.

49 2015 Outsiders Power King, Punta Arenas and Tellina - all at more than 20-1 - filled the first three places ahead of favourite Futura at 9-2. However, minutes later the objection hooter sounded with the rider of Punta Arenas, Ian Sturgeon, objecting against Power King on the grounds of interference in the latter stages. However, the head-on film showed clearly that once straightened earlier, Power King had maintained a straight course and it was Punta Arenas that had 2015 Winner: Power King shifted in onto him bumping him twice.

2016 Joey Ramsden’s four-year-old The Conglomerate had drawn on the outside at 18 and, his less than encouraging form together with his draw had him on offer at 20-1. The Conglomerate, under one of the finest demonstrations of tactical and patient jockeyship by Piere Strydom, crossed the line a neck ahead of a flying Marinaresco under Grant van Niekerk. The result gave trainer 2016 Winner: The Conglomerate Ramsden, his long-awaited first victory in Africa’s Greatest Horseracing Event.

2017. Runner up in the 2016 event, Marinaresco defied carrying top weight to race to a spectacular win under Bernard Fayd’Herbe in the 2017 Vodacom Durban July. It gave trainer Candice Bass-Robinson her maiden win in Africa’s greatest horseracing event. 2017 Winner: Marinaresco

2018. It was on the last Wednesday before the big race that Justin Snaith realised that Do It Again could be the pick of his five runners in the Vodacom Durban July. The 9-1 chance was Snaith’s third July winner – and a record-breaking fifth July win for Anton Marcus. 2018 Winner: Do It Again

51 50 2019 WINNER DO IT AGAIN

simmering rivalry between Do It Again and another superstar contender, Rainbow Bridge, was well under way ahead of the 2019 event. In summary, it read like this… The L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate, early January 2019 at Kenilworth – Do It Again winner, Rainbow Bridge 3rd. Later that month in the Sun Met, again at Kenilworth – Rainbow Bridge winner, Do It Again second. Fast forward to the 2019 Champions Season and the two line up again, this time in the Gold Challenge – with Do It Again winning and Rainbow Bridge taking third. Rivalry indeed, and all of it at the highest level of racing – the perfect set-up for a Big Race nailbiter on the first Saturday in July. Or, looked at another way, here were the reigning Vodacom Durban July and Sun Met champions ready to punch out a match-race ‘decider’ in Africa’s Greatest Horseracing Event. In the end, Do It Again, well, did it again… beating Rainbow Bridge home. Mind you, it was less than half a length that separated them.

51 51 s is the case at great horse racemeetings around the world, fashion is firmly entrenched at the Vodacom Durban July. From the fashionistas who have always frequented the racemeeting for fashion’s sake – to flaunt their finery – and often a lot more, to those who appreciate that great fashion is inextricably linked to world class horseracing. To fuel the fashion flames Gold Circle introduces a theme for each year’s racemeeting which, when combined with the latest fashion trends, provides direction and added interest to the raceday fashion events. Sadly at the 2020 ‘Behind Closed Doors’ racemeeting, fashion competi- tions and fashion shows will not take place. However certain of the fashion elements will survive, including the 2020 theme “Butterflies”. The Vodacom Durban July Young Designer Award presented by Durban Fashion Fair, which has been running for close to 30 years will continue, although not on ‘July Day’. Unfortunately students’ activities were interrupted by the Covid 19 pandemic which resulted in their outfits not being ready for raceday. As this competition is of great importance to the students and in fact forms part of their syllabus, the finals of the competition are to be held five weeks later at the 100th running of the Gold Cup. For the 2020 Vodacom Durban July TV broadcast eight guest designers, chosen from previous years’ Invited Designers, will each produce a show- stopper to be viewed as part of DStv’s raceday coverage. Showing alongside the Invited Designers, eight guest designers from Durban Fashion Fair will be showing their creations, all aimed primarily at the TV audience on raceday. For close to 30 years, through their interest in nurturing young fashion designers, it is a noticeable trend that Gold Circle has increased interest in fashion in general and created a groundswell of eager participants at all levels of fashion design in KwaZulu-Natal.

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