Betting on the Durban July 2024

The Durban July is one of the most prestigious horse racing events in South Africa, captivating the nation's attention each year as the country's top thoroughbreds compete for the coveted title. As the 2024 edition approaches, the anticipation is palpable, with a stellar lineup of contenders vying to etch their names in the history books.

In celebration of this year's epic race, get in on the action with Sportingbet’s enthralling Race To Riches promotion, where you stand a chance to win a share of a massive R2 million in cash prizes. Simply pick the order of the horses that will finish 1st to 6th in the Main Race!

Now, with that being said, let’s take a look at some of the potential favourites, should you plan to bet on horse racing come race-day!

The final field for the 2024 Durban July has been announced and it is brimming with both established champions and rising stars. Leading the charge are the first and second-place finishers from last year's race, Winchester Mansion and See It Again.

Winchester Mansion, trained by Brett Crawford, narrowly escaped with victory in 2023 and will be seeking to solidify his reputation and hush all doubts this year. The gelding's winning finish in last year's prestigious event has only added to the anticipation surrounding his return to this year’s Durban July. Currently sitting at odds of 15.00 to take the win. Standing in his way once again, however, is the Michael Roberts trained See It Again, the highest-rated nomination and a top-tier race favourite. After being denied victory by the slimmest of margins last year, See It Again will be determined to go one better and claim the coveted title at odds of 5.00.

Another horse to keep an eye on is Nathan Kotzen's gelding Royal Victory, who has been a revelation when being sent over long distances and shouldn’t prove too challenging to convert that performance over the middle distance. The Summer Cup and Champions Challenge winner has the plumb draw and can be found at odds for a Royal Victory are 15.00.

The entries for the 2024 Durban July are dominated by three trainers, who collectively account for nearly half of the nominations. Sean Tarry, Justin Snaith, and Mike de Kock have each assembled formidable teams, each with the potential to emerge victorious.

Sean Tarry, the perennial powerhouse in South African racing, entered an impressive 10 horses for the Durban July. However, only two of those entries made the cut, namely Future Pearl and Cousin Casey. Tarry's stable also includes the intriguing Mid Winter Wind, a winner of his last four races, and the R9 million yearling purchase, Celestial City.

Justin Snaith, another training giant, has nominated eight horses for this year's feature event. Of his entries, the ones who made the final field include the likes of top contender Future Swing (*odds at 7.00), Without Question, and Double Superlative. Snaith's stable is known for its depth and versatility, and he will be looking to add to his impressive tally of Durban July victories.

Alongside the established contenders, the 2024 Durban July field features a mix of emerging talents and familiar faces, each with their own compelling narratives.

The number one early ante-post favourite is Green With Envy - currently at odds of 4.00 - the Cape Derby winner trained by Dean Kannemeyer. Kannemeyer is no stranger to the Durban July winner's podium, having won the race three times, including with the legendary Dynasty in 2003. Green With Envy's impressive performances have made him a horse to watch, and jockey Craig Zackey will be eager to guide him to glory.

Another intriguing contender is Purple Pitcher, trained by the relatively new trainer Robyn Klaasen. The three-year-old colt has already made a name for himself, winning the 2024 SA Derby and SA Classic. Klaasen's charge will be looking to continue his meteoric rise and add the Durban July to his growing list of accomplishments.

The anticipation is building, as we at Sportingbet countdown to the 2024 Durban July. The field is brimming with a captivating mix of returning champions and rising stars, each determined to etch their name in the pages of South African horse racing history. The stage is set for a thrilling showdown come July 6th, where the wave of excitement will reach a fever pitch and the racing world will witness the crowning of another champion.