The Durban July is South Africa’s premier annual horse racing event. Since its first run in 1897, it has become a huge event for jockeys, spectators, and punters.
Durban July history
The Durban July was first held in 1600m for a stake of 500 sovereigns. At the time, it was named The Durban Turf Club Handicap and it was won by Campanajo over a mile, although the main event is now run over 2200m at the Greyville Racecourse.
At the time, it was run on 17 July, which was the third Saturday of the month – although it is now run on the first Saturday of July. In 2020, it was postponed to late July due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The race gradually grew in prestige over the years. The stake increased to £1,500 by 1904 and although it decreased to £1,000 in 1906, it had exponentially increased to £5000 in 1927. The following year, 1928, the race was officially named the Durban July Handicap.
In 1961, the race was run with pounds and shillings for prize money for the final time before moving over to the decimal system. Rothmans became a sponsor in 1963 with the prize money set at R33800, ushering in a new era for commercial sponsors, with many sponsoring the race over the years. Both the 1961 and 1963 events were won by Syd Laird – who went on to amass a total of seven Durban July victories, setting a record. His son, Alec Laird, became a successful trainer himself later.
In 2001, the race was run as the Durban July. As of 2024, the prize money currently stands at R5 million (just under US$300,000).
Most successful Durban July jockeys, trainers and horses
Only five horses have ever won back-to-back:
- Campanajo (1897/98)
- Corriecrian (1907/1908,
- Milesia Pride (1949/50)
- El Picha (1999/2000)
- Do It Again (2018/19)
Another horse, Pamphlet, won it in 1918 and 1920.
Syd Laird remains the most successful trainer in Durban July history with seven wins (1961, 1963, 1966, 1967, 1971, 1973, 1978).
Meanwhile, Anton Marcus became the first and only jockey to win five times in 2018 after previous wins in 1993, 2000, 2005 and 2007.
When is the Durban July
The next Durban July will take place on the first Saturday of July 2025. Follow this link to bet on horse racing with Easybet. Before and after the Durban July takes place, we will provide you with the best promos and horse racing events to bet on.
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