🔥 Trending Hollywoodbets Durban July 2026: Latest News and Favorites

The 2026 Hollywoodbets Durban July, Africa's premier horse racing and social event, took place on Saturday, July 4, 2026, at Hollywoodbets Greyville ⁶. The race, known for its thrilling finishes, saw "Note to Self" emerge as the winner, claiming the R10,000,000 prize money in a dramatic closing stage after "Wish List" made the initial move ².

Before the race, "Star Major" was considered the favorite ¹⁰. However, expert tips also highlighted "Note to Self," trained by record-holder Justin Snaith, as a strong contender despite its unusual record for a winner, citing recent strong runs and a favorable weight ¹⁰. Another notable horse, "Thunderous," with a 34% target share in 2025, was expected to perform well over the 12-furlong distance, though its 58kg load was a potential limiting factor ⁴. The final field consisted of 18 runners and two reserves ⁵. "The Ultimate King" was scratched from the race on July 1, 2026, and was replaced by "Choisaanada" and "Curious Girl" as reserves ¹. The event also featured a "country allure" theme, with fashion trends leaning towards cowboy hats and high-glamour marquees ⁸.