Fashion, entertainment and finest racehorses

FOR the first time in two years, the Hollywoodbets Durban July will be held at full capacity at the Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse.

The event, on Saturday, has been running for 126 years and is expected to bring together 35000 people.

The theme for this year is “Show me the honey”, and pays homage to the hard work that has been done to ensure that the the event becomes a success.

During a media briefing on Tuesday on Durban’s state of readiness to host the event, eThekwini mayor Mxolisi Kaunda said the organisers were putting the final touches to ensure that everything runs smoothly.

“The gallops have been held and thousands of punters and fashionistas from around the country and beyond are preparing to descend on Durban in droves.”

Kaunda said the event would help create jobs and would positively impact Durban’s economy.

“The estimated 35 000 people who will head for the Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse on Saturday are expected to spend R145 million, with the Gross Domestic Product in economic activity projected to be R362m. An estimated 740 people will get employment because of this event.”

As per the announcement by Health Minister Joe Phaahla on June 22, all Covid-19 restrictions have been relaxed.

This means that vaccination cards or proof of a negative Covid test are no longer required for events, and this allows the Hollywoodbets Durban July to operate at full capacity.

The mayor said the relaxing of Covid-19 restrictions could not have come at a better time.

“We strongly believe that the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions is a turning point for the hard-hit tourism industry.

“In fact, even before the government’s announcement, we were already seeing growing interest from visitors to come to Durban.

“We are confident that going forward we will see an increase in tourist numbers following the scrapping of the mandatory wearing of masks and allowing full-capacity gatherings.”

Kaunda said the Hollywoodbets Durban July would kick-start the winter tourism season.

“The Durban July has always been the springboard for the winter season with its range of shows, festivals and experiences.”

He said the event would now be expanded into the townships and rural areas, and provide more people with the opportunity to participate in the entertaining experience.

“There will be five township satellite venues for the Hollywoodbets Durban July, so that people can enjoy the races and the fashion from different parts of the city.

“These venues include Mojos Carwash and Shisanyama in Wiggins, Max’s Lifestyle in uMlazi, Magaba Lounge in Hammarsdale, Maqaqa Lounge in Umbumbulu and Under the Moon in Inanda.

“The out-of-town punters can access onsite physical betting machines at Max’s Lifestyle and Maqaqa Lounge, while online betting will be available at the other township venues.”

Kaunda added: “We are committed to making Durban the best destination for tourists and we are working with all stakeholders to make sure we live up to our tag as South Africa’s playground and destination of choice for major events.”

Despite the implementation of water rations and beach closures due to high E coli levels in eThekwini, the mayor said the city was hard at work to ensure this did not affect the event.

“Our work to restore and repair water infrastructure destroyed by the recent floods is on track. While water rationing is in place, we continue to monitor our systems to ensure this intervention does not have an adverse effect on businesses and communities.

“We are also constantly monitoring the water quality at all our beaches. Recent tests indicate that the water quality is improving on some of the beaches in the north.

“Work is continuing to repair pump stations that are affecting the beachfront, and further tests will be conducted this week to ascertain water quality.”

The Hollywoodbets Durban July will not only contribute to the growth of Durban’s economy but will also provide a platform for young fashion designers to showcase their talent, said Kaunda.

“Emerging local fashion designers will benefit from the various development competitions facilitated in collaboration with the eThekwini Municipality’s Fashion Development Programme and Hollywoodbets Foundation.

“For both the Durban Young Designers Awards and the Durban Fashion Fair Rising Stars, we have 35 finalists who will be showcasing their collections.

“Through our programmes, some of these young designers are now supplying large retail clothing shops while others have opened their own boutiques.”

Stephen Marshall, the events and marketing executive for Gold Circle, said the Hollywoodbets Durban July would provide a wide range of fashion and entertainment.

“We have two stages, fashion shows, public fashion competitions, entertainment, food and beverage pop-ups, and of course, the best thoroughbred racehorses this country has to offer.”

He said the Hollywoodbets Durban July embodied diversity and inclusion, adding that the event welcomed South Africans of all races.

“Last year’s race was won by the people’s horse, Kommetdieding. He was the first horse to win the country’s most prestigious race for an owner of colour in Ashwin Reynolds.

“He was trained by father-daughter team, Harold Crawford and Michelle Rix, who followed Candice Bass Robinson as the only other female trainer of a July winner.”

Marshall said Rachel Venniker, the first woman jockey carded to race in this year’s Durban July, was injured on Monday after a fall in race 8 and would not be riding on Saturday.

“Thankfully, it is precautionary and I have no doubt that Rachel will be back to secure her place in history next year.

“Rachel is the only female jockey in South Africa, but she is our leading apprentice jockey and she is almost certain to be crowned our country’s Champions Apprentice in little over a month’s time.”

Venniker’s replacement will be Serino Moodley. According to sportingpost. co.za, if Moodley were to win, he would become the first Indian South African rider in history to lift the trophy.

Tickets are R230 at Computicket and will also be sold at the event.