The glamour of the catwalk was on show alongside the thoroughbred racers at Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse this week for the Hollywoodbets Durban July Gallops.
Image: Sibonelo Ngcobo
Durban is gearing up for South Africa's richest horse race, the Hollywoodbets Durban July, with an estimated 45,000 punters, fashion enthusiasts and racing fans expected to descend on the Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse on Saturday.
The iconic event, now in its 130th year, will feature the the main race, offering a R10 million prize purse.
This year's theme, Country Allure, will bring a Western-inspired flair to the fashion stakes, with wide-brimmed hats, paisley prints and cowboy boots expected to dominate. Designers and attendees will interpret the theme through a blend of rural elegance, timeless charm and contemporary style.
The top 10 finalists in the Young Designer Award competition will showcase their creations on race day, with the top three designers and their institutions standing a chance to win prizes valued at R150,000.
Grammy Award-winning artist Zakes Bantwini will headline the entertainment line-up on the Pulse Big Stage.
“KZN, it’s always good to be home! I’ve got something special prepared for you at the Hollywoodbets Durban July. It’s going to be a great one, hope to see you all there," said Bantwini.
Other performers include Mi Casa, Will Rayz, Will Linley, Angel Mazibuko, Supreme 3 and Tamara Dey, while celebrated performer Anlia Etzebeth will sing the national anthem.
Stephen Marshall, Race Coast marketing, major events and broadcasting manager, said the day promises an unforgettable celebration of world-class horseracing, fashion, entertainment and hospitality.
"This year's entertainment line-up features some of South Africa's most celebrated performers. Together, these performances will create an exciting soundtrack to one of the country's most anticipated social and sporting occasions.
"Hollywoodbets is delighted to welcome a number of distinguished guests to its VVIP hospitality experience. Among those attending are Hollywoodbets ambassador and Springbok rugby star Makazole Mapimpi, as well as celebrated long-distance running champions Gerda Steyn, Edward Mothibi, and Tete Dijana," said Marshall.
Marshall said the hospitality areas had been designed to reflect this year's Country Allure theme, creating sophisticated spaces inspired by the charm and elegance of the countryside.
Marshall said they will host 29 independently operated hospitality venues and VIP marquees, supported by more than 9 000 event staff and an additional 1 000 security personnel.
“While every owner, trainer, jockey, breeder, and groom dreams of winning the R10 million Hollywoodbets Durban July, the event simultaneously creates opportunities across multiple sectors, supporting thousands of livelihoods and showcasing Durban on a national and international stage,” said Marshall.
Hollywoodbets brand and communications manager, Devin Heffer, said the winner’s stake has doubled to R10 million, making the Hollywoodbets Durban July the richest horse race in Africa.
Heffer said the Hollywood Group and Race Coast have significantly invested in horse racing through infrastructure upgrades and venue enhancements.
The improvements include new grandstands, upgrades to the parade ring, roofing improvements, enhanced sound systems, fresh paintwork, generators, and large digital screens aimed at transforming the spectator experience.
eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba said the City is ready to welcome the thousands of guests expected to descend on Durban for the annual spectacle.
“The Durban July weekend transforms our City into a vibrant hub of economic activity, providing a substantial boost to hotels, guesthouses, restaurants, transport operators, retailers, tourism attractions, and informal traders. It remains one of the most important economic catalysts on Durban’s annual events calendar,” said Xaba.
This year’s projections indicate that more than 40 000 visitors are expected to attend the event, with direct spending estimated at R230 million and a broader contribution of approximately R798 million to the local economy.
The event is also expected to support an estimated 1,105 jobs across its value chain.
Xaba said through the Durban Fashion Fair programme, they were nurturing the next generation of fashion entrepreneurs.
"Nine emerging designers who have completed a rigorous ten month mentorship programme will showcase their talent through the prestigious DFF Rising Stars Collection on the Celebration Stage at the Hollywoodbets Durban July.”
“This initiative empowers local talent, strengthens their brands, and creates sustainable pathways for growth within the fashion sector, further cementing Durban’s status as a premier fashion destination,” he said.
Xaba added that coordinated safety and security measures and traffic management plans were in place.