Durban July will become Africa’s richest horse race with R10 million prize pool in 2026

The Hollywoodbets Durban July will become Africa’s richest horse race by 2026, featuring a staggering R10 million prize pool. Hollywoodbets unveiled this monumental shift on Friday at the Greyville Racecourse, revealing that the winner’s prize alone will reach an astonishing R6 million.

In a bid to amplify the excitement and competition, organisers will expand the payout to include the top 12 finishers (up from nine), rather than the usual first three.

Devin Heffer, brand and communications manager for Hollywoodbets, elaborated on these exciting developments, announcing the return of the traditional handicap racing format for the race’s 130th iteration.

“Weights are allocated in handicap races, enabling horses of varied abilities to race competitively against each other,” Heffer explained. This change, he noted, opens the door for a wider array of owners and horses to participate, enriching the competition.

In a bid to level the playing field, the lightest weight carried by horses will be reduced from 54kg to 52kg, while the upper weight limit is likely to rise from 60kg to 62kg.

Restoring the true handicap feature will increase excitement and engage a broader spectrum of participants.

“The country comes to a standstill for the two minutes of the Durban July. Doubling the stakes is part of our mission to return South African horse racing to its glory days,” Heffer remarked.

Since Hollywoodbets took over sponsorship of the Durban July in 2022, the prize money has risen substantially from R2 million to R5 million, with each successive year adding to the event’s prestige, mirroring an upward trajectory in both recognition and reward.

The implications of this transformation extend far beyond the racetrack. The 2025 edition of the Durban July contributed an impressive R840 million to Durban’s gross domestic product, and the anticipated changes for 2026 are poised to increase this figure further.

Increased betting opportunities generated by the more accessible handicap format are particularly appealing to punters, alongside the exciting prospect of unexpected victories from underdog horses.

Next year, the gap between the lightest and heaviest weights will be widened from 7kg to 10kg, presenting a diverse challenge for all competitors.

“This adjustment dramatically increases the value for punters by enabling them to identify the best-positioned horses leading up to race day,” Heffer noted, revealing the strategic enhancements designed to enhance the betting experience.

He added: “By doubling the stakes and restoring the true handicap format, we’re investing in the future of South African racing.”

The stakes have never been higher. With a wide-open field of competitors and enhanced prize money, the Hollywoodbets Durban July will redefine the experience for owners, trainers, jockeys, and the enthusiastic crowd of racegoers, solidifying its status as a hallmark of South African culture.