From seven horses to a national occasion
The first running, on 17 July 1897, was called the Durban Turf Club Handicap and drew just seven horses for a stake of 500 sovereigns. Campanajo won it, and won again the next year carrying 66 kg, still the heaviest winning weight.
The race was lengthened in stages over the following decades (sources differ on the exact steps) and has been run over 2,200 m in the modern era. It is one of very few major races never to have missed a year.
Fashion, music and the crowd
For many of the people at Greyville the race is only part of the day. The July is famous for its fashion, with themed dress, designer competitions and marquees, and for music and parties that run long after the last race. Race-day crowds of up to around 50,000 fill the course.
Horses that won it twice
Winning the July once is a career highlight; a few horses have done it in successive years:
- Campanajo (1897, 1898)
- Corriecrian (1907, 1908)
- Milesia Pride (1949, 1950)
- El Picha (1999, 2000)
Making a weekend of it
Greyville is about 28 km from Cabana Mio, under half an hour on a normal day. Many visitors book Friday to Monday: the race on Saturday, the beach on Sunday, and July is one of the sunniest, driest months on this coast.
The 2027 date had not been announced when this page was written; the race is normally on the first Saturday of July (3 July 2027 if that pattern holds).
Timeline
- 1897First running on 17 July as the Durban Turf Club Handicap; seven horses; Campanajo wins.
- 1898Campanajo wins again, carrying a record 66 kg.
- 1914–1945Run every year through both world wars.
- 1941 / 1970The race settles at 2,200 m (sources give different years for the change).
- 2025The 129th running, won by The Real Prince.
Questions
When is the Durban July 2027?
The date is not announced yet. It is normally the first Saturday of July, which would be 3 July 2027.
Where is it held?
At Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse in Durban, about 28 km from Cabana Mio.
Is it only about the racing?
No. The July is as famous for fashion, music and hospitality as for the race itself.
Sources: Durban July Handicap (Wikipedia) · Sporting Post: Durban July history · IOL: 126 years of the Durban July. Facts checked October 2026; confirm dates with the organisers.
