Excitement mounts as the Hollywoodbets Durban July 2025 final field is unveiled. The moment racing enthusiasts across the nation have been waiting for has finally arrived. The final field for the much-anticipated 2025 edition of the Hollywoodbets Durban July has been announced. Setting the stage for what promises to be another thrilling renewal of Africa’s greatest horseracing event. With a line-up brimming with talent, the announcement has sparked various debates and speculation among punters and experts alike.
This year’s final field announcement, a critical milestone in the lead-up to the 1st of July race day, has laid bare the challenges and opportunities awaiting each of the 18 accepted runners and two reserves.
Champions Return
This year’s field is headlined by defending champion Oriental Charm, trained by Brett and James Crawford, who aims to secure back-to-back victories and continue the stable’s remarkable run after wins in both 2023 and 2024. Oriental Charm, drawn in pole position (1), will be partnered by JP van der Merwe and carries a top weight of 60kg, reflecting the confidence in his ability to repeat last year’s heroics.
Joining Oriental Charm at the top of the betting boards is Eight On Eighteen from the Justin Snaith yard, who comes in as the early favourite at 14/10 and will be ridden by record-breaking jockey Richard Fourie. Snaith, a multiple Durban July-winning trainer, has a powerful hand with three runners: Eight On Eighteen, Okavango, and Native Ruler.
| Horse | Jockey | Trainer |
| Eight On Eighteen | R. Fourie | J. Snaith |
| Oriental Charm (1) | J.P. v’d Merwe | J. Crawford |
| Immediate Edge (10) | C. Murray | M./M. de Kock |
| See It Again (15) | R. Danielson | M. Roberts |
| The Real Prince (5) | C. Zackey | D. Kannemeyer |
| Gladatorian (16) | S. Veale | S. Ferrie |
| Selukwe (6) | S. Moodley | A. Nel |
| Royal Victory (17) | M. Yeni | N. Kotzen |
| Okavango (13) | A. Fortune | J. Snaith |
| Atticus Finch (4) | C. Habib | A. Laird |
| Confederate (14) | W. Kennedy | F. Habib |
| Native Ruler (18) | T. Godden | J. Snaith |
| Madison Valley (2) | G. Lerena | F. Robinson |
| My Best Shot (9) | C. Maujean | A. Greeff |
| On My Honour (3) | S. Khumalo | G. Kotzen |
| Purple Pitcher (12) | K. Matsunyane | R. Klaasen |
| Pomodoro’s Jet (8) | A. Mgudlwa | J. Crawford |
| Rainbow Lorikeet (7) | D. De Gouveia | C. Bass-Robinson |
Emerging Stars and International Flair
The 2025 field also features a blend of seasoned campaigners and promising three-year-olds. Green With Envy, the Gr1 Daily News 2000 winner, was the ante-post favourite before the draw and will be looking to give Dean Kannemeyer his fourth Durban July victory. Flagman, trained by Gareth van Zyl, finished a close second to Green With Envy in the Daily News 2000 and now enjoys a slight weight advantage, setting up a fascinating rematch.
Adding international interest, English-based jockey Daniel Muscutt, fresh from his Cape Town Met triumph, will partner Double Superlative for Justin Snaith and Nick Jonsson.
Betting Landscape and Race Day Atmosphere
With the final field confirmed, bookmakers have updated their odds, reflecting the open nature of this year’s contest. Eight On Eighteen leads the market, followed by Oriental Charm and See It Again, and other well-fancied runners such as Immediate Edge and The Real Prince.
The Hollywoodbets Durban July is not just a race but a cultural phenomenon, blending high-stakes racing with fashion, music, and social festivities. This year’s theme, “Marvels of Mzansi,” promises a vibrant celebration of South African heritage and style.