Hollywoodbets Durban July 2026: Official weights published
The road to the 2026 Hollywoodbets Durban July has reached another significant milestone with the publication of the official weights.
Black News 
The road to the 2026 Hollywoodbets Durban July reached another significant milestone on Monday, 15 June with the publication of the official weights for South Africa’s premier horse racing event.
With no horses added at the final supplementary entry stage, 28 contenders remain in the hunt for glory as attention now shifts to the final declarations deadline on Monday, 22 June at 11:00.
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Revised handicap conditions
According to SportingPost, the release of the weights offers the first real insight into how the remaining runners shape up under the race’s revised handicap conditions.
Introduced to create a wider spread of weights and promote a more competitive contest, the new system is expected to generate plenty of discussion among trainers, owners, punters and racing enthusiasts.
As always, the handicapper’s assessment will come under close scrutiny, with supporters eager to identify which horses have secured favourable treatment ahead of the R10 million Grade 1 race over 2 200m.
The prestigious race, set to be run at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Saturday, 4 July, will mark the 130th running of the iconic event and promises another thrilling chapter in its rich history.
Final field
The next key date on the calendar is Tuesday, 23 June, when the final field and barrier draw will be announced.
The final Durban July field will comprise 18 runners, with two reserves also selected.
Public gallops will follow on Thursday, 25 June, giving racing fans a final opportunity to assess the leading contenders before race day.
With the field beginning to take shape and the official weights now revealed, anticipation is steadily building for Africa’s Greatest Horse Racing and Social Event.
Latest ante-post betting
Topping the ante-post betting market at 3/1 is exciting three-year-old Star Major, who strengthened his credentials after winning the Grade 1 Daily News 2000 for trainer James Crawford.
He is followed by Note To Self (7/2), Wish List (9/2), Happy Verse (6/1), Regulation (8/1) and Legal Counsel (14/1) – all, incredibly, from the Justin Snaith yard.
Hollywoodbets Durban July official weights
| Horse | Weight | Merit rating | Trainer |
| Legal Counsel | 62 | 128 | Justin Snaith |
| Gladitorian | 61.5 | 127 | Stuart Ferrie |
| King Pelles | 59 | 122 | Gareth van Zyl |
| Choisaanada | 58.5 | 121 | Erico Verdonese |
| Native Ruler | 58.5 | 121 | Justin Snaith |
| Holding Thumbs | 57 | 118 | Glen Kotzen |
| Star Major | 57 | 122 | James Crawford |
| Mocha Blend | 56.5 | 117 | Frank Robinson |
| Shoot The Rapids | 56.5 | 117 | Nathan Kotzen |
| The Ultimate King | 56.5 | 117 | Tony Peter |
| Minogue | 56 | 116 | Candice / Tammy Dawson |
| Happy Verse | 55.5 | 119 | Justin Snaith |
| Note To Self | 55.5 | 118 | Justin Snaith |
| Olivia’s Way | 55.5 | 114 | Roy Magner |
| Hazy Dazy | 54.5 | 117 | Corne Spies |
| I Salute You | 54.5 | 113 | Peter Muscutt |
| Wish List | 54.5 | 117 | Justin Snaith |
| Chronicle King | 53.5 | 115 | Candice / Tammy Dawson |
| Aladdin’s Lamp | 53 | 110 | Mike / Mathew de Kock |
| Field Marshal | 53 | 110 | Nathan Kotzen |
| Viva’s Liberte | 53 | 114 | Candice Bass |
| Zeitz | 53 | 110 | Andre Nel |
| Isivivane | 52 | 108 | Peter Muscutt |
| Tenpenny | 51.5 | 107 | Patrick Kruyer |
| Copper Eagle | 51 | 110 | Robyn Klaasen |
| Regulation | 51 | 110 | Justin Snaith |
| La Pugla | 50.5 | 105 | Candice Bass |
| Curious Girl | 46 | 100 | Mike / Mathew de Kock |
Key dates
- Final declarations: Monday, 22 June by 11:00
- Final field & draws: Tuesday, 23 June
- Public gallops: Thursday, 25 June
