Hollywoodbets Durban July doubles prize money to R10m

AFRICA’s greatest horse racing and social event is now the continent's richest horse race with the announcement that the prize money for the Hollywoodbets Durban July will double to R10 million in 2026.

- SUNDAY TRIBUNE REPORTER

The winner's prize will double to R6m, and the rest of the prize monies on Saturday, July 4, 2026 will be shared among the next 11 finishers, rather than the nine of previous years.

Unveiling the new record stakes at the “July in Christmas” event at Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse on Friday, December 5, the group's brand and communications manager Devin Heffer, also announced that next year’s 130th running of the Hollywoodbets Durban July will return the race to its traditional true handicap roots.

“Weights are allocated in handicap races which enable horses of varied ability to race competitively against each other. Taking into account the variables of age and sex, the fundamental is that the higher a horse's official merit rating, the more weight that horse will carry. This opens the Hollywoodbets Durban July to a wider competitive spectrum of owners and horses.