RACE 1

(2) SUPREME JUDGE has been knocking on the door and boasts the best form of the raced runners. He is sure to have a solid chance. Having said that, there are many well-bred unraced runners in this contest and the market may be the best guid. ZAMBEZI SUNSET is well bred and comes from a yard who have been in excellent form with their unraced juveniles, he deserves the utmost of respect in this line up. (Devonne Govender 1-3)

RACE 2

(6) GOLDEN GREY has been in top form and rates a huge winning chance, he was narrowly beaten in the last start and a repeat performance will see him go close. (4) GARDEN SUN placed in recent starts at decent odds and another honest run expected. (1) CHEERFUL CHARLIE B has never been far back, although he has another tough draw he isn’t out of this. (13) TOWER OF LONDON has made good progress in his last start and will get much closer with 56kgs on his back. (Devonne Govender 6-4-1-13)

RACE 3

(1) TWILIGHT BAY is holding good consistent recent form and has a bright chance in this line-up respectfully. (2) WINTER GAMBLE is much better than her last start, she represents Cape form which stands up strong here in the province and this visitor will have a big say. (5) FANTASY GIRL comes from the in form yard of Alan Greeff and is a horse that cannot be left out of anything. (6) MAXIGIRL wasn’t far in her last start and can get much closer for the placings. (Devonne Govender 1-2-5-6)

RACE 4

(5) WALKONTHEWILDSIDE is in excellent form and looks to have a solid winning chance again over the extended 1600m trip. (12) LANCIAFIAMME has been racing consistently and will be in the shakeup again, her last start was eye-catching and she must be included in all bets. (7) WILLIAM THE FIRST has been in good form recently but most of that has been on poly, he is very capable on his day and isn’t one to ignore. (8) FINAL EDITION has been racing well and another huge performance is expected. (Devonne Govender 5-12-7-8)

RACE 5

(9) THREE CHEERS has been holding consistent form and rates a winning chance in this line up. He shoulders a decent weight of 56.5kgs so will be a huge contender on best form. (10) DUMISANI was narrowly beaten in the last start, with the in-form Malesela Katjedi aboard he must be respected. (13) SAN QUINTIN is very capable on his day, he is much better than that last start and rates a chance here. (1) MR FOX was an impressive maiden, he could have more to come however he has a tough draw. (Devonne Govender 9-10-13-1)

RACE 6

(2) GLOBETONIC ran extremely well in the last start and will be the firm first selection. He has a top draw and will have every chance. (16) KING RAHUL shoulders a light mass and has been running well, a must include in all bets. (3) ANCHOR MAN ran well at big odds and will be in the firing line again. (4) WINTER EMERALDS won his maiden well and has scope so isn’t one to discount. (Devonne Govender 2-16-3-4)

RACE 7

(4) GOLDEN PALM was very impressive in both victories and will be the banker in all bets. She looks very smart and should take some beating. (1) AUGUSTA ROSSO wasn’t far behind a smart sort in the last start and will be in the placings. (2) BAROLO is another who has scope to get involved so deserves respect. (5) ROYAL CITY GIRL is another who has scope and can be thrown into larger perms. (Devonne Govender 4-1-2-5)

RACE 8

(4) COASTAL PATH has been running consistently, he is capable a big finish on his day so is a must include in all bets. (11) WORDSWORTH won a gutsy race in his last start and looks to be a serious challenger to the top selection. (1) SILVONIAN ran a cracker in the last start and a repeat performance will see him go close. (10) SEE YOU IN A BIT is never far back and can make the frame. (Devonne Govender 4-11-1-10)

Durban, South Africa: A bright and exciting future for horse racing in South Africa is on the horizon! That was the underlying message to emerge as the birth of South Africa’s new age coastal racing operator was celebrated at the official launch of the Race Coast brand, which was attended by a wide spectrum of local government leaders, racing personalities, and the media, in Durban today. 

A vibrant new force in South African horse racing, Race Coast was spawned from the merger of Gold Circle’s operations in KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape-based Cape Racing, united under the Hollywoodbets banner.

Committed to modernising all aspects of the industry with integrity, while rebuilding the foundation of a legacy that will last beyond our lifetimes, through ensuring the preservation of the rich tradition of a sport that dates back over a century in South Africa, Race Coast has endorsed a philosophy to reignite a passion for the sport, while attracting a new and diverse audience. 

It’s a socio-economic reality that, against the international background of the thrills and glitz and glamour of high-octane entertainment, horse racing creates employment, with commercial spin-offs, that includes the fuelling of tourism.

With a focus on innovation and community engagement, Race Coast is unequivocally dedicated to ensuring a bright and exciting future for horse racing in South Africa. 

Speaking on behalf of the Hollywood Group, Brand & Communications Manager, Devin Heffer said that the excitement and anticipation of a brighter future was palpable amongst industry stakeholders present at the launch function.

“What a vibe! It is so encouraging to feel that this is the gamechanger that everybody has been crying out for. We are thus determined to raise the bar with world-class professionalism, performance, and prestige. That doesn’t happen overnight, but starts with the basics of safety, fairness, and quality,” enthused Heffer, who added that operations are already underway and policies have been introduced that will ensure modernisation with integrity, and the construction of a legacy that lasts.

“We have the structure, foundation and human capital in place and we are committed to introducing a new era where racing has a place and appeal for everyone. Simply put, it’s a bolder, fresher, and more inclusive approach than ever, and we’re determined and equipped to focus on rebuilding the trust, excitement, and excellence from the ground up.” 

South African champion trainer Justin Snaith is extraordinarily celebrating a half century of KZN winter season assaults for the famous family operation. His Dad Chris, still a key member of their team, first raided with a string from the Cape in 1975.

Snaith reflected on the initial success in his home province of RaceCape, initiated by Cape Racing and Hollywoodbets. 

“That structure has proven a tremendous success! It has not only boosted ownership and field sizes in the Western Cape, but has also provided trainers with additional funding to enhance their operations. And today we mark the historic beginnings of Race Coast, which is another generous initiative by Hollywoodbets, aimed at promoting ownership in KwaZulu-Natal and the Cape, while boosting the horse population.” 

Snaith reminded us of the very recent past, recalling that after the COVID-19 pandemic, many feared that horse racing in South Africa might not survive. 

“However, the dedicated efforts of a few individuals have not only saved the sport, but have also paved the way for an exciting future. This is a future that we can shape and reinvent, making it better for all stakeholders involved. Race Coast marks the beginning of something special for the province and the future of horse racing in South Africa. On behalf of all our owners, staff, and horses, we want to express our sincere gratitude,” he concluded.

South African horse racing’s pre-eminent 21st century global ambassador Mike de Kock, who recently joined forces with his son Mathew in a powerful training partnership, said: “De Kock Racing has been around for a long time, but as a new training partnership, Mathew and I are excited to be involved with the innovators behind Race Coast. We have already seen the evidence of their vision and commitment, and we have positioned ourselves to grow with them. We look forward to what the future holds.”

Three-times Hollywoodbets Durban July winning veteran trainer Dean Kannemeyer said that a refreshing wave of enthusiasm and hope had already been tangibly felt in the Cape.

“The improvement and upliftment have been felt in bricks and mortar, communication, and incentives and stakes across the spectrum in the Cape, and looking today at the rejuvenated Hollywoodbets Greyville landscape, it’s a revelation and a passion driven work-in-progress, in simple terms. The Hollywood Team have made a difference in short time, and one gets a very warm feeling that the sport is in exceptionally good hands. We are all united under the flag of future prosperity, and, on behalf of our owners and the DKR team, I extend sincere onwards and upwards best wishes to Owen Heffer and his Team,” said Kannemeyer. 

In a fitting climax to a month that will go down as a turning point in our modern horse racing history, the cream of South Africa’s equine speed stars will line up in the Golden Horse Festival Of Speed at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on Saturday 31 May.

It’s a weekend packed with non-stop excitement and massive Jackpots across Fairview, Hollywoodbets Scottsville and Hollywoodbets Kenilworth.

Friday, 30 May – Fairview Jackpot One Carryover: R 100 000 Estimated Pool: R 500 000. Don’t miss out – Jackpot runs from Race 4 to 7. Race 4 off at 14:10.

Saturday, 31 May – Hollywoodbets Scottsville Jackpot Carryover: R 500 000 Estimated Pool: R 1.5 Million, includes the premier races: Allan Robertson Championship, Gold Medallion and the Golden Horse Sprint! Jackpot runs from Race 5 to 8. Race 5 off at 13:30.

Sunday, 1 June – Hollywoodbets Kenilworth Jackpot One Carryover: R 100 000 Estimated Pool: R 500 000. Jackpot runs from Race 5 to 8. Race 5 off at 13:45.

Rugby 8 WIN MARGIN on FRIDAY, 30 May 2025 C/Over R61 562 Pool closes at 20h35 Call Bet V65

Soccer 10 on Friday 30 May 2025 C/Over R100 000. Pool closes at 19h00 Sport 15 Pool 1. Estimated Pool: R 1 Million

Soccer 10 on Saturday , 31 May 2025 C/Over R100 000. Pool Closes at 20h30 Sport 7 and Pool 1. Estimated Pool: R 1 Million

Soccer Any 13Xtra on Saturday , 31 May 2025 C/Over R50 000 Pool closes at 15h00 Sport 13 and Pool 1. Estimated Pool: R 150 000

Soccer 13 on Saturday , 31 May 2025, Pool closes at 15h30 Sport 10 and Pool 1. One Winner Guaranteed JACKPOT ALL 13 CORRECT JACKPOT POOL: R 18 Million

David Thiselton

The Hollywoodbets Durban July weights will be of interest this year as it will bring the question of relativity into it.

Some old timers will no doubt repeat what has been said just about every season for the last dozen years, “A three-year-old can’t carry that weight.”

They will be referring to Eight On Eighteen having to carry 57kg, which would be the highest weight a three-year-old would have ever carried to victory in the iconic race.

However, Eight On Eighteen will be the best weighted runner in the field if speaking relatively.

According to the merit ratings Eight On Eighteen will be 2kg well in.

This is due to the clause in the Hollywoodbets Durban July conditions that states a three-year-old cannot carry more than 57kg.

In a true handicap, as it stands with See It Again being the topweight carrying 60kg off a 127 merit rating, Eight On Eighteen would have to carry 59kg.

To illustrate how well he is in as things stand, he will only have to give Okavango 2,5kg and Native Ruler 3kg, despite having beaten them by 4,05 and 4,30 lengths respectively on Saturday while being ridden hands and heels and being eased up before the line.

Furthermore, he will be 1kg better off with weight for age than See It Again. In a weight for age race at that time of year over that distance he would receive 2kg from an older horse, but he will receive 3kg from See It Again. 

His stablemate Sail The Seas, if he runs, will be the second best in at the weights according to official merit ratings. He will also carry 57kg and would have to carry 58kg off his 127 merit rating had it been a true handicap. He will only be 1kg out at the weights with Eight On Eighteen.

However, some will look at the weights completely differently.

For example a case could be made for Selukwe being up with Eight On Eighteen on paper despite him having only a 111 merit rating and officially being 2kg under sufferance and 4kg out at the weights with Eight On Eighteen.

Selukwe gave Okavango 2kg and a 3,20 length beating in the Gr 3 WSB 1900.

He will now be receiving half-a-kilogram from Okavango.

As a three-year-old, Okavango would have improved by 1kg since the WSB 1900, if the weight for age scale is used as the measure.

So it could be said he will actually only be 1,5kg worse off from the WSB 1900 as opposed to 2,5kg.

However, that should still see him beating Okavango by no less than five lengths on paper, taking into account that a length over 2200m is viewed as being worth 1,7 pounds (or half-kilograms).

Eight O Eighteen, on paper after their last meeting, should beat Okavango by only 1,15 lengths, although he did win easing up so an extra length can probably be added to that.

Even if that extra length is added that still has Selukwe beating Eight On Eighteen by 2,85 lengths on the maths of this isolated bit of form comparison. 

However, the handicapping purists would also take latent ability into account and Okavango’s performance in the Daily News 2000, which was run in  an exceptional time, was clearly a better performance than his performance in the 1900, where it didn’t pan out well for him.

On the other hand Selukwe had to jump from the second widest draw in the 1900 and came from right near the back and was behind Okavango entering the straight. How well did that race pan out for him, even if he won and surely he would also have appreciated the good pace of the Daily News 2000.   

A few WSB Met runners will also be interesting on paper, with Pacaya being a good example.

He was giving Eight On Eighteen 6kg in the Met and was beaten 1,75 lengths.

He will now be receiving 1,5kg from Eight On Eighteen, which makes him 7,5kg better off.

The weight for age scale says Eight On Eighteen should have improved 4,5kg from the Met by July day.

However, that would still put Pacaya at 3kg better off so on this paper calculation Pacaya beats Eight On Eighteen by 1,75 lengths.

However, Eight On Eighteen has created the impression he has improved at a rapider rate than the weight for age scale predicts he should.

He was also said to have needed the Daily News outing and any improvement on that magnificent performance is going to see him being hard to beat, although luck in running does usually play a part in the July too.  

Durban – A R500 000 Carryover to Jackpot One, which is expected to reach R1,5-million, adds sparkle to the annual Golden Horse Festival of Speed race meeting at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on Saturday 31 May. The fifth race, the R1-million Allan Robertson Championship (Gr1) for 2yo Fillies over 1200m, is the opening leg of Jackpot One which sees the unbeaten Alan Greeff-trained East Cape Star, Direct Hit, go head-to-head with Sean Tarry’s One Fine Winter. One Fine Winter was beaten by another Greeff filly, Golden Palm, in the SA Nursery (Gr2) a month ago, but Tarry’s stellar record  at the Golden Horse Sprint race day is unrivalled and he will fancy gaining revenge on Gqeberha’s Champion Trainer.

The R1,5-million Gold Medallion (Gr1) for two-year-olds over 1200m forms the second leg of the carryover Jackpot and here Tarry has declared Green Diamond, the sole filly in the race, to go against nine colts and geldings. Green Diamond has won her last two starts by wide margins but she takes on a competitive field which includes the Peter Muscutt stable companions, Military Command and debut winner Little Boy Blue. On Nursery form, Robyn Klaassen’s Charming Cheetah seems well held by Green Diamond, but Charming Cheetah won first up as a gelding following the Nursery and he could make a big impression here. Zelatoris was a close second behind Charming Cheetah last time and appears to be well above the average.

Grade 1 winners, Double Grand Slam and Rascova, head the 15-strong line-up in the seventh race, the R1-million South African Fillies Sprint (Gr1) (F&M) over 1200m, but it could be argued that neither are at their absolute best over the trip. Candice Bass-Robinson won this race last year with October Morn and she will be hoping that Symphony In White can deliver back-to-back victories for the stable. However, both Symphony In White and Mai Sensation will be hard pressed to confirm the Poinsettia Stakes form with Asiye Phambili, who meets each of these talented fillies on far better weight terms. Asiye Phambili suffered the misfortune of losing her rider at the starting stalls a year ago, but Hollywood Racing’s 5yo daughter of What A Winter deserves a victory at the highest level and it could be pay-back time for Duncan Howell’s inmate.

A highly competitive renewal of the R1-million Golden Horse Sprint (Gr2) over 1200m completes Jackpot One and pin-pointing the likely winner is no easy task. “Lady Luck” will play her part but Future Variety has been teed up for this race and he should be doing his best work over the final 200m. His stablemate, the exciting Tenango, will be partnered by Aldo Domeyer which appears to suggest he is the stable elect. Alan Greeff saddles Fairy Knight, a winner of ten races from only 18 starts, but he may have to play second fiddle to fellow East Cape raider Cruise Control from the Gavin Smith yard. Cruise Control forms part of a strong Hollywood Racing presence, as they will also harbour high hopes for recent winner Ziyasha. Surjay jumps from the stand-side stall but he is already a Grade 1 winner and was runner-up in the Cape Flying Championship behind Gimme A Prince in January. With a full field of 16 runners, this year’s Golden Horse Sprint should be another nail-biter and is arguably the toughest leg of the carryover Jackpot.

The Justin Snaith-trained LITTLE SUZIE, with Sean Veale up, wins the Tote Woolavington 2000 at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Saturday.
Picture: Gold Circle/Candiese Lenferna

David Thiselton
The big question after the Gr 1 Daily News 2000 and Gr 2 Woolavington 2000 is whether the two respective winners, Eight On Eighteen and Little Suzie, will run in the Hollywoodbets Durban July and how the handicappers will view the race.
The pair gave Justin Snaith a big race double on the day and it was the third time Snaith had won the Daily News and the sixth time he had won the Woolavington. 
It was a great day for Johann and Gaynor Rupert. 
Gaynor’s Drakenstein Stud bred Eight On Eighteen and Johann is a part-owner of the now three-times Gr 1-winning superstar. 
Furthermore, it was an incredible fourth time in succession a Drakenstein homebred had won the Woolavington.  
Trippi filly Little Suzie’s win was particularly gratifying for the Snaith and Drakenstein Stud racing teams as she is a daughter of the great Oh Susanna, who won this race for the partnership in 2018. 
To add to the day’s success, Gaynor’s U.K. Stud operation, Cayton Park Stud, won a big handicap race at The Curragh in Ireland on Saturday with a Ed Dunlop-trained homebred colt called Skukuza, who is out of a Trippi mare called Shingwedzi.
Little Suzie became Drakenstein’s 18th stakes winner of the season, which leaves them three short of their own SA record of 21 stakes winners in a season. 
The other part-owner of Eight On Eighteen is Nick Jonsson, who won the Daily News 2000 for a second time.
The Daily News field was reduced to six runners when Gr 1 SA Classic winner Confederate was scratched for an elevated TCO2 level.  
Eight On Eighteen jumped from the widest draw and was relaxed in last place under Richard Fourie as stablemate Makazole ensured a reasonable pace up front.
Eight On Eighteen rounded the field just before entering the straight, still travelling under a double handful. 
He had hit the front by the 400m mark such was his phenomenal turn of foot and Fourie just had to drive him out with the hands to secure a 3,80 length victory.
The handicapper is unlikely to touch Eight On Eighteen’s merit rating, considering he was at least 7,5kg better off than any of the placed horses, while the horse he was only 3kg better off with, i.e. Parisian Walkway, failed to match his 1600m performance for the fourth time in succession over further trips. 
The handicppers are also likely to be lenient on the rest of the field, due to the ease of victory. 
Spumante Dolce will therefore likely be used as the line horse.
With her gender allowance taken into consideration, this 117-rated filly effectively ran off a 112 merit rating.
So that would bring third-placed Okavango, who was beaten 0,25 lengths by Spumante Dolce, up to about a 112 and would put Native Ruler, who was beaten 0,50 lengths by Spumante Dolce, up to 111.
Spumante Dolce was in 13th place on the July log and the proximity to her of Okavango and Native Ruler will give that pair a chance of getting on to the July log. 
However, they would have to leapfrog horses who are considerably higher rated than them to get into the top 20, presuming they will be rated 112 and 111 respectively. The only horse rated lower than 115 in the top 20 at present is the winner of the WSB 1900, Selukwe, and the winner of that race is usually given preferential treatment for July final field inclusion. Furthermore, Selukwe, performed better than both Okavango and Native Ruler in the WSB 1900 even if the weights are taken into consideration.
Justin Snaith said it would always be tempting to run in a great race like the Hollywoodbets Durban July, but also spoke of how hard a race it was on a horse, so with a lot of Eight On Eighteen’s career still ahead of him the final decision to run him would only come after careful consideration by all the connections.
The Lancaster Bomber colt would become only the eighth horse in history to have won both the Met and the July and would be the first in history to have completed that double as a three-year-old, so that would be a great accolade to have on his stud CV.
Richard Fourie believed the July will be the choice and said, “He is going about his business the right way and setting himself nicely for the July. I think the July would be the ideal target because he’s won the Met as a three-year-old already and is capped at 57kg in the July. He’s a quality horse and a big strong horse and can carry the weight.”
Little Suzie ran on well from a handy position under Sean Veale, although the latter will likely get a holiday as the filly hung inward and interfered with Rainbow Lorikeet, who was an unlucky 1,70 length fourth carrying topweight.
Little Suzie is unlikely to get much of a raise from her 106 merit rating as she was facing the 107 rated runner up My Soul Mate on 1kg terms better than weight for age   
She faced fifth placed 114-rated Beating Wings on 3,5kg better than weight for age and beat her by 2,20 lengths, so that could see her raised to about 111.
However, the Woolavington 2000 is also a race that might receive preferential treatment for July final field inclusion.
Little Suzie would have to be supplemented if she is going to run and Jonathan Snaith said, “She is progressive, she was a very immature two-year-old and is a late three-year-old and she has always been unlucky throughout her career. If you look at her her last run it was an incredible run if you watch the replay and that is why we fancied her so strongly today knowing she would relish the step up in trip. We will discuss it with the connections about supplementing her.”