Te Durban July is one of the biggest horse races in South Africa. The thoroughbred handicap race takes place annually at Greyville Racecourse. The R5 million prize pool attracts the biggest runners and riders in the sport, while Durban July betting is also hugely popular. On this page, we have listed the leading Durban July betting sites. Meanwhile, we will also explain exactly how betting on Durban July works!
- All
- Live streaming
- Cashout
- Mobile App
- Price Boost
- Racecards
- Ante Post Horse RAcing
- Fast Bet Feature
- Virtual Horse RAcing
- Price Boosts
- Cryptocurrencies
- Bet Boosts
- Horse Racing Insurance
- Cash out
- Bet builder
- More Filters
Top Rated
100% Bonus Up To R2,500
10/05/22100% Bonus Up To R2,500
- Ante post and pre-race Durban July odds
- Leading horse racing odds
- Mobile-friendly
9.8
NO CODE REQUIREDClaim BonusLearn More011
R25 Sign Up Offer
22/04/22R25 Sign Up Offer
- Main sponsor of the Durban July
- Dedicated horse racing page
- Live streaming available
9.6
NO CODE REQUIREDClaim BonusLearn More11Once you activate your Hollywoodbets account and you will receive a R25 Sign-up Bonus! For more information, contact our helpline on 087 353 7634. Terms and conditions apply.
100% Bonus Up To R10,000
22/04/22100% Bonus Up To R10,000
- Durban July & other horse racing markets
- Generous welcome offer
- Fast withdrawals
9.5
NO CODE REQUIREDClaim BonusLearn More11Make your first deposit. Rollover your first deposit 5 times with bets where the odds are greater than 7/10 (0.7). Only bets placed on pre-match and in-play sports will count to the Welcome Bonus rollover requirements. Once you have fulfilled the rollover requirements, we will then match your first deposit with a 100% bonus. The maximum bonus amount that can be claimed in this promotion is R10 000.Make your first deposit. Rollover your first deposit 5 times with bets where the odds are greater than 7/10 (0.7). Only bets placed on pre-match and in-play sports will count to the Welcome Bonus rollover requirements. Once you have fulfilled the rollover requirements, we will then match your first deposit with a 100% bonus. The maximum bonus amount that can be claimed in this promotion is R10 000.
50% up to R700
10/05/2250% up to R700
- Useful racecards
- Easy to use sportsbook
- Virtual horse racing options
9.4
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200% Bonus Up To $130
22/04/22200% Bonus Up To $130
- Leading Durban July betting odds
- Large welcome bonus
- Horse racing one of 50+ sports
9.3
NO CODE REQUIREDClaim BonusLearn More11Register with 1xBet. Fill in your personal profile in My Account and enable the function "Take part in bonus offers". Deposit any amount from 1$. The bonus is automatically credited to a customer's account after they make a deposit.
First Deposit Bonus 100% Up To $100
22/04/22First Deposit Bonus 100% Up To $100
- Attractive Durban July betting odds
- Generous welcome bonus
- Good number of payment methods accepted
9.2
NO CODE REQUIREDClaim BonusLearn More11This offer is only available to new customers, who have registered and made their first real-money deposit at Sportaza. THe Bonus is 100% of a player's first deposit bonus up to 8,000 INR. In order to qualify for the bonus, hte player nmust play through the full amount of hte first deposit at least once with odds no less than 1.50. All bets must be settled.This offer is only available to new customers, who have registered and made their first real-money deposit at Sportaza. THe Bonus is 100% of a player's first deposit bonus up to 8,000 INR. In order to qualify for the bonus, hte player nmust play through the full amount of hte first deposit at least once with odds no less than 1.50. All bets must be settled.
100% Bonus Up To R1,000
22/04/22100% Bonus Up To R1,000
- Durban July & other horse racing markets
- Range of local payment methods
- Useful pre-race statistics
9.0
NO CODE REQUIREDClaim BonusLearn More11The bonus amount must be wagered 6 times (Sports bets must be taken at single bet min odds of 7/10 or 0.70, Multiple Min Odds of 12/10 or 1.20 and each leg must be 2/10 or greater) prior to bonus funds and associated winnings becoming withdrawable.
100% First Deposit Bonus Up To R2,000
28/04/22100% First Deposit Bonus Up To R2,000
- Ante post Durban July betting odds
- Virtual horse racing opportunities
- Acca Builder feature
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NO CODE REQUIREDClaim BonusLearn More0101Best Rated Durban July Betting Bookamkers ZA
Based on customer reviews and key criteria surrounding Durban July betting including bonus offers, odds horse racing markets and site performance, here’s the roundu of our recoomended sportsbooks in South Africa to wager bets on Durban July:
- Betwinner – Ante post and pre-race Durban July odds
- HollywoodBets – Main sponsor of the Durban July
- PlayaBets – Durban July & other horse racing markets
- 10Bet – Useful racecards
- 1xBet – Leading Durban July betting odds
- Sportaza – Attractive Durban July betting odds
- Bet.co.za – Useful pre-race statistics
- SportingBet – Acca Builder feature
How to Select the Best Online Bookmakers for Betting on Durban July
Given the status of the Durban July in the horse racing calendar, there are now a huge number of horse racing bookies covering the race. While this is good news for bettors, it does make deciding who to wager with more difficult. So, when selecting the best Durban July betting sites, our experts consider the following factors:
- Durban July Races Betting – It should be possible to bet on all 12 races from the Durban July Festival. While the Durban July itself stands out for most, better value can potentially be found elsewhere. So, ensure that coverage of the event meets your needs. Sportaza is a top choice here, with a host of markets being available.
- Durban July Races Betting Odds – The prices found at South African betting sites will determine how much you make from a winning bet. As such, it is important to shop around and secure the best odds. All of our recommended bookies are competitive in this area. However, it is Betwinner that is at the top of the pile.
- Additional Features – Live streaming, cash out and bet builders can all enhance the experience for bettors. However, such features are not offered by all bookies. Those that do are likely to have an immediate advantage over their competitors. Hollywood Bets is our no.1 pick here, with an array of features helping to attract new customers.
- Bonuses & Promotions – As well as a generous welcome bonus, bettors can take advantage of ongoing promotions at the best Durban July betting sites. While promos may not be specific to the race itself, the likes of best odds guaranteed, free bets, money back specials and acca boosts make wagering on the race all the more appealing. Having looked at the offers available, as well as their terms and conditions, it is 1xBet that is our recommended operator in this area.
- Mobile Betting – It should be just as simple to place a bet on your smartphone or tablet as it is when loading up your desktop. Mobile betting is hugely convenient, with the best Durban July betting apps making it simple to wager on the race. Alternatively, you can access your chosen sportsbook via your mobile browser. With an efficient mobile app and betting site, PlayaBets scores highly in this area, in particular.
Durban July Betting Markets
Durban July betting customers can take advantage of a handful of different markets. Each is slightly different, coming with their own set of benefits and limitations. Let’s take a closer look at the options awaiting bettors:
Win
The simplest type of bet, players must simply pick which horse they believe will win the Durban July.
Each Way
Here, two bets are placed in one. Half goes on “Win”, with the other half being on “Place”. Double the investment is required. However, each way bets offer bettors a certain level of insurance.
Ante Post
An ante post bet is one that is placed before the race lineup has even been confirmed. Sometimes, better value can be found with such markets. However, there is a chance that your selection could not even run come race day.
Forecast/Tricast
With such bets, bettors are wagering on which runners and riders will finish 1st and 2nd or 1st, 2nd and 3rd, in the correct order.
Place Only
Available at reduced odds, this market gives bettors the option to wager on a horse simply to place in the race.
Multiple
Also known as an accumulator, a multiple bet involves wagering on a host of possible outcomes in different races.
Tote Betting on Durban July
Instead of fixed odds betting, many horse racing fans will take advantage of tote betting. Here, the stake from each bet goes into a pot, from which winnings are paid. Each bet has its own pool, with the odds depending on how many bets have been placed. For Durban July tote betting, the following bookies are among the best:
Durban July Ante Post Betting
Durban July ante post odds are offered by selected bookies. When available, punters can bet on runners before the race lineup has been made official. Some will take advantage of ante post betting in an attempt to claim better odds. However, it is important to remember that your pick may not actually feature come race day. Some bookies offer non runner no bet promotions, perfect for those placing ante post bets.
How to Bet on Durban July Online
Betting on Durban July is simple with most online bookies. Using Betwinner as an example, the following is a step by step guide surrounding how to back your favourite runners and riders:
Step 1: Register an Account
Select from our list of recommended Durban July betting sites. Enter the site in question, on desktop, mobile or tablet. Click or tap on the “REGISTRATION” button, located in the top-right hand corner of the page. Complete the sign-up form by entering your full name, email address and telephone number. Create a username and password. Read and agree to the bookie’s terms and conditions and click/tap on the “REGISTER” button.
Step 2: Deposit Funds
Login to your account and access the cashier page. Select the “Deposit” option, before entering the deposit amount. From the list provided, choose your preferred payment method. Enter your bank card, e-wallet, prepaid card or bank transfer details. Confirm the payment and wait a matter of seconds for funds to appear in your account.
Step 3: Browse Markets
Select the “Horse Racing” option, before accessing Durban July markets. Based on your research and expert advice, add selections to your bet slip.
Step 4: Place Bets
View available bets and the total odds. When satisfied, enter your stake and confirm the bet by clicking/tapping on the “Place A Bet” button.
Step 5: Withdraw Winnings
Watch on as the Durban July takes place. Upon successful bets being placed, winnings will be available to withdraw. Alternatively, players can use earnings to fund future bets.
Durban July Live Stream & Live Commentary
The Durban July is broadcast on the home of KZN Racing, Gallop TV. Meanwhile, selected bookies also offer live streaming of the race, with many being accompanied by commentary too. If you are looking to track the progress of your picks, then there is no better method than watching live. Generally, a small qualifying bet or funded account balance will be required in order to access streams. Ahead of the Durban July, the following bookies are offering live streaming:
| Bookie | Stream criteria | Visit site |
 |
Small qualifying bet | Visit Hollywood Bets |
Best Betting Apps for Durban July
The best betting apps for Durban July make wagering on this high-profile race a quick and stress-free process. A large proportion of horse racing bets are now placed on smartphones and tablets. This has led to many bookies investing in specialist betting apps. Such apps generally come with the same markets and features as their desktop counterparts. As such, there is no real difference between the two platforms. However, apps are more efficient than mobile betting sites, which can be slow and difficult to use. In terms of the best apps for Durban July betting, the following are our favourites:
Best Betting Apps for Durban July
- All
R25 Sign Up Offer
R25 Sign Up Offer
- Available on iOS & Android
- Plenty of Durban July markets
- Touch/Face ID login
100% Bonus Up To R10,000
100% Bonus Up To R10,000
- Durban July & other horse racing markets
- Generous welcome offer
- Fast withdrawals
Make your first deposit. Rollover your first deposit 5 times with bets where the odds are greater than 7/10 (0.7). Only bets placed on pre-match and in-play sports will count to the Welcome Bonus rollover requirements. Once you have fulfilled the rollover requirements, we will then match your first deposit with a 100% bonus. The maximum bonus amount that can be claimed in this promotion is R10 000.
50% up to R700
50% up to R700
- Easy to download
- Ante post and pre-race horse racing markets
- Notifications available
Durban July Festival Betting Tips
Betting on Durban July comes with no guarantees that players will be successful. While this is one of the exciting things about Durban July betting, it is important to give yourself the best possible chance of success. Following the tips below will do just that!
Tip 1: Do Your Homework
There is a large amount of pre-race information that can be of benefit to those betting on Durban July. So, be sure to look at the horses, jockeys, trainers and owners involved this year. Many have a habit of being successful on the biggest stage.
Tip 2: Play the Field
18 runners and riders make up the Durban July. This means that betting on the race winner is difficult, especially given the quality of those involved. So, it is generally recommended to back a handful of entrants, with both win and each way bets. Of course, the investment required is greater. However, this will increase your chances of making a profit.
Tip 3: Time Your Bets
It is important to consider when to place your bets too. Some picks will be better to back with an ante post wager, if their odds are likely to shorten ahead of the Durban July. However, others are worth waiting for.
Tip 4: Stick to a Budget
Before you start placing bets, it is important to come up with a budget for the race. Some will like to bet on a number of races during the day, with 12 making up the Festival in all. Be sure that you stick to your budget, rather than chasing losses.
Tip 5: Watch the Race
Once you have placed your bets, sit back and enjoy the excitement and competitiveness of Durban July. The race often goes down to the wire, so be sure to keep a close eye on your picks.
What is the Durban July Festival?
The Durban July race dates back to 1897, with the race initially having been ran over a distance of 1 mile (1600m). However, the length was altered many times over the years, before settling at 2200m in 1970. Now worth R5 million in prize money, the Durban July is a thoroughbred handicap available to horses aged 3+.
In terms of previous races, there are some useful details surrounding the Durban July. Firstly, only five horses have ever won the race back-to-back, with Do It Again having been the last to do so in 2018 and 2019. Meanwhile, trainer Sydney Laird holds the record for the most wins, with seven successes to his name in total. Meanwhile, Anton Marcus is the jockey with the most Durban July wins, with his record 5th having come in 2018.
The table below takes a close look at the Durban July over the last 10 years. Be sure to keep a close eye on the horses, jockeys and trainers who could be attending in 2022:
| Year | Horse | Jockey | Trainer |
| 2021 | Kommetdieding | G Lerena | Harold Crawford & Michelle Rix |
| 2020 | Belgarion | R Fourie | J Snaith |
| 2019 | Do It Again | R Fourie | J Snaith |
| 2018 | Do It Again | A Marcus | J Snaith |
| 2017 | Marinaresco | B Fayd’herbe | Candice Bass-Robinson |
| 2016 | The Conglomerate | P Strydom | J Ramsden |
| 2015 | Power King | S Randolph | D Kannemeyer |
| 2014 | Legislate | R Fourie | J Snaith |
| 2013 | Heavy Metal | S Khumalo | S Tarry |
| 2012 | Pomodoro | P Strydom | S Tarry |
Durban July Festival 2022 Dates & Schedule
A total of 12 races make up the Durban July Festival. The Garden Province Stakes is the only other Grade 1 race, which takes place immediately after the Durban July. All races are held on the same day, which in 2022 will be Saturday, 2nd July. Below is a breakdown of what to expect across the day:
| Race | Time | Distance | Surface | Stake | Race Name |
| 1 | 12:05 | 1300 | Turf | 400 000 | BLOODSTOCK SA SALES CUP (Fillies) |
| 2 | 12:40 | 1300 | Turf | 400 000 | BLOODSTOCK SA SALES CUP (C & G) |
| 3 | 13:15 | 2200 | Turf | 175 000 | CAMPANAJO 2200 (Grade 3) |
| 4 | 13:55 | 3000 | Turf | 175 000 | DStv GOLD VASE (Grade 3) |
| 5 | 14:30 | 1400 | Turf | 350 000 | GOLDEN SLIPPER (Grade 2) |
| 6 | 15:05 | 1400 | Turf | 400 000 | DURBAN GOLDEN HORSESHOE (Grade 2) |
| 7 | 15:55 | 2200 | Turf | 5 000 000 | Hollywoodbets DURBAN JULY (Grade 1) |
| 8 | 16:40 | 1600 | Turf | 1 000 000 | GARDEN PROVINCE STAKES (Grade 1) |
| 9 | 17:15 | 1200 | Turf | 400 000 | POST MERCHANTS (Grade 2) |
| 10 | 17:50 | 1600 | Turf | 150 000 | THUKELA HANDICAP (Listed) |
| 11 | 18:25 | 1800 | Poly | 120 000 | MR 86 HANDICAP |
| 12 | 19:00 | 1600 | Poly | 120 000 | FM 74 HANDICAP (F & M) |
Durban July Betting Guide Summary
The Durban July is one of the most competitive and exciting horse races in the world. The historic race attracts the interest of bettors across South Africa. Our Durban July betting guide has delivered everything there is to know about the race. Durban July betting today is bigger than ever before, with plenty of markets and promos being available to punters. So, whether you are betting on Durban July for the first time or have long been backing your favourites, be sure to check out our top ranked bookies. Each comes with a generous welcome offer!
Betting Durban July FAQs
When is the 2022 Durban July?
Is betting on Durban July legal in South Africa?
Which are the best betting sites for Durban July?
Is Durban July ante post betting available?
Are Durban July betting offers available online?
James Fuller
James Fuller
