A bumper weekend is expected in KZN as the annual Hollywoodbets Durban July horse race takes place on Saturday with a massive economic spend expected
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A bumper weekend is expected in KZN as the annual Hollywoodbets Durban July 2026 horse race takes place on Saturday with a massive economic spend expected.
An array of fashion and spectacle is expected to descend on the Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse, Hollywood Group said.
The group said that Hollywoodbets Durban July is close to delivering R1 billion to the eThekwini economy this year, capping a remarkable turnaround story for an industry that was on the brink of collapse just a few years ago.
The group added that the iconic event, which boasts a R10 million prize pool and showcases 18 of the country’s finest thoroughbreds, is expected to attract more than 45,000 spectators from across South Africa.
“Last year’s event generated an estimated socio-economic impact of R840m, up significantly from R690m in 2024.”
Hollywood Sportsbook Group’s (Hollywoodbets) brand and communications manager Devin Heffer said that the race’s success mirrors the wider recovery of South African horse racing - a return to health in which Hollywoodbets has played a significant part.
Heffer added that in 2019, Hollywoodbets came on board to assist KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) race operator Gold Circle, which was experiencing financial difficulties. “In general, horse racing was already declining in the wake of issues surrounding the Steinhoff and Marcus Jooste debacle in 2017/8. Then, in 2020, Covid was the final nail in the coffin and almost ended racing completely. It had been decimated financially and economically with the withdrawal of investments.”
The group said that on 1 May 2025, the Hollywood Group officially acquired Gold Circle.
“Just weeks later, RaceCoast was established to unite racing operations in KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape under a single banner. The scale of investment since then has been substantial, closing in on R1bn, with further substantial capital expenditure committed.”
Heffer said the strongest evidence of the sport’s revival can be seen in the growth of its flagship event. “Just judging by the huge growth in the Hollywoodbets Durban July and the sponsorship and economic impact of that event between 2024 and 2025 plus the payment of R50m in taxes which is huge for a single day event, this sport has moved from recovery to growth.”
The group said the primary objective has been safeguarding jobs in an industry that remains a critical employer in both KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape where the buyouts saved 15,000 jobs. “Horse racing supports more than 60,000 jobs across South Africa, including jockeys, trainers, grooms and farm workers, and related services, while sustaining an estimated 300,000 dependents.”
Brett Tungay, national chairperson of the Federated Hospitality Association of South Africa (FEDHASA), said that the Durban July is one of the cornerstones of the Durban events calendar. “Durban is reliant on tourism events like this for the City’s economy. The last time I spoke to the organisers everything looked good in terms of numbers and I expect it to be a good Durban July this year.”
Tungay added that the economy has been uncertain this year, but he feels that people are looking for opportunities like the Durban July to go out and enjoy themselves.
Hollywood Group spokesperson Vuyisile Ngobese said fashionistas can look forward to an array of fashion trends in keeping with this year’s theme, noting cowboy hats and cowhide used in the outfits on race day. “We know that some of the designers have made garments made of cowhide. We expect to also see earth tone colours like brown, and neutral shades such as cream, white, gold and green which represent the landscape colours that we have in this country.”
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