Hollywoodbets increases Durban July stake to record amount
The stake doubles the R5m offer that has been in place since Hollywoodbets became the title sponsor in 2022.
South Africa.- Hollywoodbets has increased the total stake for the 2026 Durban July to R10m (€503,000), the highest purse in the 129-year history of Africa’s most famous horse race. The winner will collect R6m (€302,000), with prize money now paid down to 12th place.
The announcement was made on Friday evening at the annual “July in Christmas” function held at Greyville. The new stake doubles the R5m (€251,500) offer that has been in place since Hollywoodbets became the title sponsor in 2022. Before Hollywoodbets took over the sponsorship, the stake had stood at R3m (€151,000) at its pre-pandemic peak under Vodacom and dropped to R1.5m (€75,500) during Covid-affected seasons.
Devin Heffer, Brand and Communications Manager at Hollywoodbets, said: “The Hollywoodbets Durban July is an internationally recognised race day where sport, style and South African spirit come together and we’re proud to be raising the stakes for the milestone 130th running. With a record R10m on offer and a bold return to a more open handicap, the racing will be as dramatic as the day is stylish.”
The full handicap format will feature a 10kg weight spread, with weights ranging from 52kg to 62kg, a structure not seen in several years.
Heffer explained the reasoning behind the new format: “Weights are allocated in handicap races, which enable horses of varied ability to race competitively against each other. Taking into account the variables of age and sex, the fundamental principle is that the higher a horse’s official merit rating, the more weight that horse will carry. This opens the Hollywoodbets Durban July to a wider competitive spectrum of owners and horses.”
The 130th renewal is scheduled for Saturday, July 4 2026, at Greyville Racecourse. The official theme will be revealed in February, with invitations and ticket sales to follow shortly after.
