The Real Prince Reigns at 2025 Hollywoodbets Durban July

In front of a record-breaking crowd of 50,000 at Greyville Racecourse, The Real Prince delivered a dramatic win at the 2025 Hollywoodbets Durban July, South Africa’s most prestigious horse racing event. Trained by veteran Dean Kannemeyer and ridden with precision by Craig Zackey, the lightly raced colt outpaced race favourite Eight On Eighteen in the final strides of the R5 million Grade One contest.

The race drew intense anticipation as Eight On Eighteen, who previously won the Gr1 WSB Cape Met, attempted to become the first three-year-old to win both that title and the Durban July in the same season. But it was The Real Prince who had the final say in a head-to-head showdown that saw him edge ahead in the last meters. Selukwe ran a strong third, with Royal Victory finishing fourth.

Early race pace was dictated by Oriental Charm, while Eight On Eighteen, drawn 11th, faced positioning challenges and was forced wide in the early stages. Richard Fourie, aboard the favourite, surged to the front after the final turn. However, Zackey’s rail-hugging ride allowed The Real Prince to conserve energy and then close the gap in a perfectly timed final drive to the line.

“It was a nod of the heads at the line,” reported Hollywoodbets, but the win secured Kannemeyer’s fourth July title, and second for owners Lady Christine Laidlaw and Khaya Stables, who have long backed his training career.

Training Strategy, Pedigree, and Racing Tactics All Aligned

The Real Prince’s victory silenced any doubts about his staying power over the 2200m trip. A full brother to Gimme A Prince, the former Champion Sprinter, The Real Prince comes from elite stock, bred by Khaya Stables at Varsfontein and out of Grade 1 winner Real Princess, herself sired by Trippi.

Kannemeyer’s decision to bypass the Gold Challenge in favor of a direct route from the Drill Hall Stakes into the July was a strategic masterstroke. “Where were we going to place him? The first time we tried him over a mile he won by six lengths. Great run in the Drill Hall,” he said, adding, “If we run him in the Gold Challenge and run fourth the handicapper is going to be looking for you. You have to come in at the right time with the right weight and we got the right draw.”

In the final analysis, the colt won by a deceptive quarter length at 14-1 odds, finishing the race in 134.22 seconds, and taking his career tally to five wins and two places from 10 starts, with earnings exceeding R3.5 million.

A Spectacle Beyond the Track: Fashion, Culture, and Design Shine

Under the theme “Marvels of Mzansi”, the event was as much a celebration of culture and creativity as it was a racing spectacle. Attendees turned out in bold, fashion-forward attire, while the Pulse Stage played host to fierce competition in the fashion categories, including Most Striking Couple, Classic Racewear – Male and Female, and Exceptional Raceday Hat or Fascinator.

Durban designer Pregasen Govender made a celebrated return, fusing inspirations from the Indian Ocean, Japanese motifs, and local floral traditions. “Durban’s greatness lies in its beaches and its culture,” he noted.

Among the winners were Happiness Mkhwanazi for Classic Racewear – Female, Mnotho Ngema for Classic Racewear – Male, and Nirvana Nolene, who captured the fascinator category. Pamela Shabane and Larnelle Maddocks were awarded Most Striking Couple.

Emerging talent was also in the spotlight. In the Hollywoodbets Young Designer Awards, Andile Cele from uMgungundlovu TVET College claimed top honors with a striking Ndebele-inspired design paying homage to Dr Esther Mahlangu. “I am flabbergasted,” Cele said. “This is beyond amazing.”

Economic Windfall and Record Betting

The 2025 Durban July not only dazzled on the turf and catwalk—it also delivered a substantial economic boost. According to eThekwini Municipality, the event is projected to contribute around R700 million to the local economy. Tote betting reached new heights, with a R20 million jackpot and R15 million Pick 6 carryover, highlighting the event’s standing as a centerpiece of South African racing and culture.

Source: The Real Prince is king of the Hollywoodbets Durban July, Hollywoodbets Durban July, July 6, 2025.