A CAPACITY crowd, wonderful Durban winter weather, a track full of stars along with celebrities and socialites sharing the 123rd running of the Vodacom Durban July at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Saturday, 6 July will ensure the “Stars of Africa” align for Africa’s greatest horse racing event.

The increasing number of visitors from outside the province has set the tills ringing triggering an economic injection worth an estimated R300 million for the regional economy.

Chief Executive Officer of the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry,  Palesa Phili, said the Vodacom Durban July is the biggest sporting event hosted by eThekwini, followed by the Comrades Marathon.

“The Vodacom Durban July is one of South Africa’s most respected sporting events and has become a highlight for both South Africans and overseas visitors who flock to Durban to witness what has become known as ‘Africa’s greatest horse racing event’,” said Phili.

A horse gallops with his lungs, perseveres with his heart and wins with his character –  Federico Tesio

According to Durban Tourism, projected event visitors are estimated to be about 32 191 local residents and 11 683 tourists.

And, if the projected spend is similar to previous years, about R99 685 997 will contribute to eThekwini’s GDP to the tune of R267 976 581.

The event is also expected to directly employ 453 people excluding permanent and temporary jobs generated across various industry sectors and their value chains such as logistics, transportation, tourism and hospitality.

Horse racing is animated roulette – Roger Kahn

Racing aficionados are eagerly anticipating what is being seen as one of the most competitive and unpredictable Vodacom Durban July’s in many years, with any one of the 18 runners in the R4,25 million iconic race capable of shading race favourites Hawwaam and last year’s champion Do It Again.

The infield Marquee Village and the dozens of plush suites in the grandstand will be a blaze of colour as décor specialists strive to out-do each other decorating each venue to the race day theme, “Stars of Africa”.

That theme has also governed the vibrant pre-race day fashion programme and will ensure that fashionistas that thrive on the limelight of the Vodacom Durban July will not lack inspiration.

The new hospitality hub at The Lakes Lifestyle Village, introduced last year to popular acclaim, returns bigger and better with pop-up restaurants, designer bars and a large number of totes to make betting easier.

The Action Stage will see the announcement of the winner of the Vodacom Durban July Young Designer Award presented by Durban Fashion Fair, as well as the showing of the Invited Designer and Amazing Africa Collections.

Each of the 12 races on the card will be followed by fashion and entertainment on the Action Stage, culminating in well-known DJs presented by MC ProVerb and chart-topper, Prince Kaybee and AKA performing live.

The main feature race’s electric atmosphere build-up will be complemented by skydivers from the SA Legion who will drop into the main straight and the singing of the national anthem.

Battle lines are drawn for the Vodacom Durban July

Africa’s greatest racing event will be run over 2 200m at Greyville and the annual betting frenzy on the iconic race moves into top gear that will see more than R200 million being wagered on the day.

There were no real surprises among the 18 horses named to contest the race and the inclusion of the Frank Robinson-trained Australian-bred colt Roy Had Enough was expected after his impressive victory in the Grade 3 Track & Ball Derby at Scottsville on Saturday.

The latest betting on the Vodacom Durban July as posted by Track & Ball is:
1.7-1 Hawwaam; 4-1 Do It Again; 4.5-1 Rainbow Bridge; 6-1 Barahin; 16-1 Twist Of Fate; 20-1 Legal Eagle; 25-1 Doublemint, Magnificent Seven; 28-1 Head Honcho, Eyes Wide Open, Made To Conquer; 40-1 Tilbury Fort; 50-1 Divine Odyssey, Return Flight; 55-1 Lady In Black, Miyabi Gold; 66-1 Fresnaye; 75-1 Roy Had Enough.

The Vodacom Durban July takes place at Greyville Racecourse on Saturday 6 July 2019. More information can be found at www.vodacomdurbanjuly.co.za