In a recent press statement issued by Hollywoodbets, the official sponsor of Africa’s premier horse racing and social event, the Hollywoodbets Durban July has been declared the richest horse race on the continent, following the announcement that the prize money will be increased to R10 million in 2026.
“The winner’s prize will double to R6 million, and the rest of the prize monies on Saturday 4 July 2026 will be shared among the next 11 finishers, rather than the nine of previous years,” the statement reads.
Revealing the new record stakes at the “July in Christmas” event held at Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse on Friday, 5 December, the Group’s Brand and Communications Manager, Devin Heffer, also announced that the 130th running of the Hollywoodbets Durban July next year will revert to its traditional true handicap origins.
“Weights are allocated in handicap races which enable horses of varied ability to race competitively against each other. Taking into account the variables of age and sex, the fundamental is that the higher a horse’s official merit rating, the more weight that horse will carry. This opens the Hollywoodbets Durban July to a wider competitive spectrum of owners and horses. And by reducing the lightest weight horses carry – that is from 54kgs to 52kgs – and increasing the heaviest weight, we’re levelling the playing field and honouring the true handicap heritage of a race that was first run in 1897,” he said.
“This is the race that belongs to Mzansi, and the true handicap will add hugely to its excitement. It gives punters more chances to win, and it means that even long-shot horses have a real chance of glory in a race that is the pinnacle achievement of every owner, trainer, breeder, jockey and groom in South Africa.”
Growing prestige and popularity
In 2022, Hollywoodbets assumed the sponsorship of the Durban July, increasing the prize money from R2 million to R5 million.
“Every year since, the July meeting has been bigger and better, and we decided the prize money should match the growing prestige and popularity of the feature race,” Heffer explained.
“The whole country comes to a standstill for the two minutes of the Hollywoodbets Durban July, and doubling the stakes is part of our mission to return South African horse racing to its glory days.”
The increased betting possibilities presented by the more accessible handicap, along with the potential for underdogs to triumph, will ensure that next year’s Hollywoodbets Durban July is an event that no one should overlook.
“This is the biggest day of the year for Hollywoodbets, with record audiences online and in our 90 bricks and mortar stores throughout the country,” he said.
“In 2025, the Hollywoodbets Durban July added an estimated R840 million to Durban’s gross domestic product, and we expect the 2026 changes to significantly increase that total.”
Big opportunity for punters
With the Hollywoodbets Durban July, every participant emerges victorious, including significant updates for bettors. Heffer stated that handicap races modify the weight each horse bears based on its rating, age, and gender, with the objective of providing each competitor an equitable opportunity. In 2025, there was merely a 7kg difference between the lowest and highest weights in the Hollywoodbets Durban July; however, this will rise to 10kg in the upcoming year.
“The bottom weight will be reduced by 1kg to 52kg and the top weight will increase by 2kg to 62kg,” he says. “This wider spread means there is a big opportunity for punters to look for the best weighted horse, offering the best value in the race.”
The increased stakes, enhanced prize pool, and reinstated handicap format are anticipated to heighten the competition among racehorse owners for one of the prestigious 18 spots in the Hollywoodbets Durban July, according to Heffer.
A national panel of five racing experts will determine the final lineup (along with two reserves) by evaluating a combination of horses’ performances in qualifying races and their merit ratings.
“The first Saturday in July is the biggest day on South Africa’s horse racing calendar. It’s a wonderful social occasion and an opportunity for fashionistas to strut their stuff,” says Heffer.
“By doubling the stakes and restoring the true handicap format, we’re investing in the future of South Af
