The 2025 Hollywoodbets Durban July, held on July 5th at Greyville Racecourse, delivered a thrilling spectacle with The Real Prince emerging as the champion of the main race. The Real Prince, ridden by jockey Craig Zackey and trained by Dean Kannemeyer, clinched victory at odds of approximately 13.5 (officially 10/1 on the day), narrowly defeating the race favorite Eight On Eighteen in a gripping finish over the 2200m turf distance.
| Horse | SP | Jockey/Trainer | |
| Winner | The Real Prince | 10/1 | Craig Zackey Dean Kannemeyer |
| Second | Eight On Eighteen | 13/8 | R Fourie Justin Snaith |
| Third | Selukwe | 9/1 | Serino Moodley Willem Nel |
| Fourth | Royal Victory | 16/1 | M Yeni Nathan Kotzen |
The Real Prince’s victory was notable for overcoming doubts about his stamina over the 2200m trip, showcasing tactical riding and a strong finish to hold off the favorite. This marked Kannemeyer’s fourth Durban July win and second for owners Lady Christine Laidlaw and Khaya Stables.
Other Race Winners at the 2025 Hollywoodbets Durban July
| Race Name (Time, Distance) | Winner (Jockey, Trainer) |
| Hollywoodbets Punters Challenge (11:45, 1200m) | Rugger Lover (Sean Veale, Tienie Prinsloo) |
| TOTE Middle Stakes (12:20, 1200m) | That’s My Baby (Craig Zackey) |
| Magical Zulu Kingdom (12:55, 2200m) | Otto Luyken (Luyolo Mxothwa) |
| Durban Gold Vase (13:30, 3000m) | King Pelles (S’manga Khumalo) |
| SplashOut Golden Slipper (14:05, 1400m) | Anotherdanceforme (Richard Fourie, Alan Greeff) |
| Omoda Golden Horseshoe (15:00, 1400m) | Chronicle King (Muzi Yeni, Candice Dawson) |
| Ridgemont Garden Province Stakes (15:35, 1600m) | Double Grand Slam (Andrew Fortune, Justin Snaith) |
| tabGOLD FM 80 Handicap (17:15, 1400m) | Lock and Key (Richard Fourie, Glen Kotzen) |
| Omada MR 96 Handicap (17:50, 1600m) | Diani (S’manga Khumalo, Dennis Bosch) |
| Durban Golden Horseshoe (18:25, 1400m) | Cosmic Speed (Craig Zackey, Sean Tarry) |
| Gagasi FM MR 90 Handicap (19:00, 1000m) | Chocolate Soldier (Marco van Rensburg, Corne Spies) |
A Celebration of Mzansi’s Marvels
The 2025 edition of the Hollywoodbets Durban July was not only a premier horse racing event but also a major social and entertainment occasion. The theme Marvels of Mzansi celebrated South Africa’s rich cultural heritage and achievements. Attendees enjoyed a vibrant atmosphere with concerts, celebrity guests, and fashion displays, making it a highlight on the social calendar.
The event attracted a large crowd at Greyville, with thousands attending in person and millions following internationally through broadcast and online streaming platforms. The excitement around the race, especially the close finish between The Real Prince and Eight On Eighteen, captivated audiences worldwide.
Financial Outcomes and Impact
The Hollywoodbets Durban July 2025 solidified its role as a major economic driver for Durban and KwaZulu-Natal. The event attracted over 50,000 attendees, including international visitors, boosting tourism and local businesses. In 2024, the event contributed R717 million to Durban’s GDP, and early estimates suggest 2025’s impact was comparable or higher, driven by increased attendance and global interest.
Betting activity was robust, with Hollywoodbets offering extensive markets, including exotic bets like Exacta, Trifecta, and Quartet. The main race saw a Win 5 payout of R10.30, with a Trifecta of 5/11/6 yielding R349.50 and a Quartet of 5/11/6/17 paying R3,826.20. The Punters’ Challenge, a free-to-play competition, offered a R750,000 guaranteed prize and a R20 million jackpot for picking all winners, further engaging punters worldwide. Hollywoodbets’ 15% deposit bonus (up to R30,000) from June 27 to July 6 spurred significant betting participation.
Internationally, the event garnered attention through live broadcasts, including Xhosa commentary on SABC 3, and online streams, reaching a global audience of horse racing enthusiasts. Social media buzz, with posts celebrating The Real Prince’s win, amplified its reach, with hashtags like #HDJ2025 trending on X. The event’s cultural significance, blending South Africa’s sporting and artistic heritage, resonated worldwide, reinforcing its status as Africa’s premier horse racing spectacle.