The days selections from our editors is listed below but first a look at this great race.

A Legacy Etched in Time: Durban July Story

Origins of a Classic
The Durban July, South Africa’s most prestigious horse race, first thundered into history in 1897. Back then, it was a one-mile contest—roughly 1600 meters—and the prize on offer was a tidy 500 sovereigns. It marked the start of what would become a cultural and sporting institution.

From Miles to Meters: The Evolution of the Distance
Over the decades, the July has gone through a number of distance tweaks. In 1906, the race stretched slightly to 1 mile and 68 yards (~1670m). A few years later, in 1913, it moved to 1 mile and 1 furlong (~1800m). Just two years after that, in 1915, it was adjusted to 1¼ miles (~2000m), a distance it held for 25 years.

The war years brought more change. In 1941, the distance shifted again to 1 mile 2¼ furlongs (~2100m). Finally, in 1970, the race settled into its current format: 2200 meters, a test that blends speed, stamina, and tactical brilliance.

Age and Triumph: Who Has Dominated?
Winning the July is as much about timing as talent. Age plays a crucial role:

Two-year-olds? Just once, way back in 1911.

Three-year-olds have had success 35 times, and remarkably, they’ve captured half of the last 20 renewals.

Four-year-olds lead the pack historically with 48 wins, also claiming 50% of the last 20 editions.

Five-year-olds have held their own, notching 26 victories.

Six-year-olds? Only 11 wins, the last coming in 1980.

Seven-year-olds have crossed the line first five times.

Back-to-Back Greats
Only a handful of champions have managed the near-impossible: winning the July in consecutive years. That elite club includes:

Campanajo (1897, 1898)

Corriecrian (1907, 1908)

Milesia Pride (1949, 1950)

El Picha (1999, 2000)

Do It Again (2018, 2019)

A Race Within the Race
Speaking of Do It Again, the Justin Snaith-trained gelding has become something of a July legend—not just for his twin wins, but for six appearances in the big race. No other horse has stood in the July starting gates more times.

Eight On Eighteen attempts to make history by becoming the first winner of the race since it changed to its 2200m distance in 1970 to win carrying 57kgs.

July Selections 2025

Race 1
1. 4 Whirlybird 9/1
2. 2 Summer Winter 9/2
3. 1 Happy Analia 13/2
4. 3 Avernian Goddess 8/1

Race 2
1. 5 Miss Ladyaterix 7/1
2. 6 Bevie's Delight 11/2
3. 8 Perilla 35/1
4. 10 Princess Hannah 7/1

Race 3
1. 7 Navajo Nation 18/1
2. 4 The Equator 17/10
3. 10 Magic Verse 9/2
4. 11 Otto Luyken 6/1

Race 4
1. 3 King Pelles 4/1
2. 4 To The Rescue 16/1
3. 6 Bombers In The Sky 16/1
4. 9 Nebraas 8/1

Race 5
1. 9 Anotherdanceforme 28/10
2. 10 Green Diamond 22/10
3. 8 Quickstepgal 5/1
4. 5 Educator 12/1

Race 6
1. 2 Elegantrix 5/1
2. 4 Aristocratic 8/1
3. 6 Malmesbury Missile 3/1
4. 10 Tin Pan Alley 10/1

Race 7 DURBAN JULY
1. 1 Oriental Charm 8/1
2. 10 Immediate Edge 8/1
3. 11 Eight On Eighteen 16/10
4. On My Honour 18/1

Race 8
1. 10 Fatal Flaw 6/1
2. 11 Spumante Dolce 9/2
3. 6 Rascova 8/1
4. 7 Mon Petite Cherie 8/1

Race 9
1. 3 Cruise Control 20/1
2. 2 Truth 12/1
3. 1 Mai Sensation 9/1
4. 4 O'Tenikwa 10/1

Race 10
1. 11 Sunset Riot 30/1
2. 4 Zeitz 13/2
3. 1 Underworld 9/2
4. 14 Narina Trogon 12/1

Race 11
1. 12 Makazole 16/1
2. 10 Dawn Til Dusk 5/1
3. 9 Sundance Kid 16/1
4. 7 Kitchakal 10/1

Race 12
1. 5 Masterofthedesert 9/2
2. 4 Isikwishikwishi 12/1
3. 3 Deception Pass 9/2
4. 1 Open Highway 6/1

Best Bet Race 5 9 Anotherdanceforme

Note: Betting was accurate as of 1 July 11pm.