By Fanele Mhlongo
Organisers of the Hollywoodbets Durban July, one of Africa鈥檚 biggest and most anticipated horse-racing events hosted at the Greyville racecourse, say the event is set to attract approximately 50 000 people.
There are 29 Very Important People (VIP) marquees offering entertainment, with influencers, celebrities and South Africa鈥檚 elite showcasing their take on this year鈥檚 theme, Marvels of Mzansi.
The highlight of the day, Race Seven, will see South Africa鈥檚 best middle-distance horses competing fiercely for a share of the R5 million prize money in the 2200 metre race.
Despite rainy and cold weather today, Stephen Marshall from Race Coast events and marketing says it has not dampened the mood.
Marshall speaks about last year鈥檚 winner Oriental Charm, 鈥淗e is there again, he drew one and has everything in his favour. I wouldn鈥檛 be surprised if he drew again, he is a year older and has everything in his favour, but then there鈥檚 a year old that is also a favourite 8 on 18. He is carrying 57 KGs never seen in this race so that will be a first if he takes it, but he is a favourite and is expected to win. I think for me Oriental Charm could sweep it.鈥
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Meanwhile, the eThekwini Metro Police say they have implemented extensive road closures around the Greyville Racecourse precinct to manage the high volume of traffic expected.
Metro police spokesperson Boysie Zungu says officers will be deployed at all intersections to regulate traffic flow and minimize congestion.
鈥淲e going to have enough police officers on the ground, all types of officers, will be there tomorrow to ensure that the surrounding precinct of Greyville is safe. There are only two roads that are affected, Avondale Road, and DLI street, other than that all intersections around will be covered with officers, obviously at night we will be conducting a number of roadblocks to ensure that there is no one that drives under the influence of alcohol and in all regions, there will be roadblocks,鈥 says Zungu.
In preparation of the upcoming Hollywoodbets Durban July this weekend, multidisciplinary teams from the City were hard at work cleaning up the precinct around the racecourse. This included cutting grass and pruning trees as well as street sweeping. Teams consisted of officials鈥 pic.twitter.com/J0hvz85US6
鈥 eThekwini Municipality (@eThekwiniM) July 4, 2025