Fashion flares at Durban July

WITH just a few days to go before the Vodacom Durban July, the legendary July Fever has swept across Durban and all eyes were fixed on the 16 thoroughbreds listed in the final which galloped across the field.

The traditional Gallops, which are now a condition of entry for the country’s greatest horse race, give the public a taste of what to expect on race day, and more importantly, who to place their winning hopes on.

While the trainers and connections are traditionally loathe to give away too much in their gallops, the sixteen stars evidenced the strength and depth of the field for this year’s Vodacom Durban July, from the top merit-rated King of Pain to the much talked about Capetown Noir and Louis The King.

Each person in the crowd of hardened punters walked away with a clearer idea of who to back for the R3.5 million Vodacom Durban July, but many were left reconsidering after the traditional prediction by a sangoma just after the Gallops.

Local sangoma, Makhosonke Msoni, inhaled his imphephu smoke and after conversing with his elders predicted that the main race would be won by Captain America from White Line Fever and Futura.

Among the enthusiastic crowd, enjoying sticky buns and coffee on a warm mid-winters morning, were numerous finalists from the pre-race day fashion competitions, adding glamour to the occasion. The 2014 Vodacom Durban July will be staged at Greyville racecourse on Saturday 5 July 2014.