Durban July drives racing revival

by NJABULO MKHIZE
DURBAN, (CAJ News) – THE 2026 Hollywoodbets Durban July is expected to inject close to R1 billion (about US$60 million) into the eThekwini economy, KwaZulu Natal, underlining the remarkable revival of South Africa’s horse racing industry after years of financial uncertainty.

Regarded as Africa’s premier horse racing and social event, this year’s race will feature a R10 million prize purse and a field of 18 of the country’s top thoroughbreds.

More than 45,000 spectators are expected to attend the annual spectacle at Greyville Racecourse on Durban.

The event’s socio-economic contribution has grown steadily, rising from R690 million in 2024 to R840 million last year, with organisers confident the 2026 edition will come close to the R1 billion mark.

Hollywoodbets Brand and Communications Manager Devin Heffer said the event’s growth reflected the wider recovery of an industry that had faced near collapse following the Steinhoff scandal, the withdrawal of investment and the devastating impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Hollywoodbets first partnered with KwaZulu-Natal racing operator Gold Circle in 2019, providing financial support when the organisation faced severe financial difficulties.

The company later became title sponsor of the Hollywoodbets Durban July before officially acquiring Gold Circle in May 2025.

The group’s investment expanded beyond KwaZulu-Natal after it rescued Cape Racing, taking full ownership in December 2023.

Race Coast was subsequently established to unite racing operations in KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape.

Heffer said investment in racecourses, training centres and the South African Jockey Academy was approaching R1 billion, with further capital expenditure planned.

Upgrades have included improvements to infrastructure, lighting, equipment and training facilities at Greyville, Scottsville, Kenilworth and Durbanville racecourses.

Hollywoodbets has also invested heavily in horse breeding and ownership, building a stable of 275 thoroughbreds and importing high-quality bloodstock from Australia, New Zealand and Argentina to strengthen local breeding programmes.

The company has further introduced incentive schemes for owners, trainers, jockeys and grooms, paying millions of rand to encourage participation and support employment across the industry.

According to Heffer, the investments have helped safeguard 15,000 jobs following the acquisitions, while the broader horse racing industry supports more than 60,000 jobs nationwide and an estimated 300,000 dependants.

“As the Hollywoodbets Durban July continues to grow, the industry has moved beyond recovery into sustainable growth,” Heffer said.

– CAJ News