Africa’s greatest horseracing and social event once again delivered unforgettable moments both on and off the track.
NOTE TO SELF stormed to victory in the R10 million Hollywoodbets Durban July Grade 1 at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Saturday, 4 July 2026.
The thrilling race kept the capacity crowd on edge until the final moments. NOTE TO SELF produced a powerful late run to beat the filly WISH LIST in a dramatic finish.
Rank outsider KING PELLES finished third, while VIVA’S LIBERTE claimed fourth place.
NOTE TO SELF Delivers a Thrilling Finish
For a moment, WISH LIST looked certain to take the crown.
Ridden by 59-year-old Andrew Fortune, the filly burst clear of the pack and appeared to have the race under control.
However, Richard Fourie had other plans.
After patiently waiting in the pack, Fourie produced NOTE TO SELF with a powerful late challenge down the outside of the straight. The horse surged forward at the perfect moment and touched off WISH LIST at the line.
The victory also delivered a remarkable one-two finish in joint owner Nancy Hossack’s colours.
After the race, Fortune showed great sportsmanship by reaching out to congratulate Fourie.
Fourie described the atmosphere at Hollywoodbets Greyville as unforgettable.
“There’s no better feeling than winning it the first time, but today’s win is a great feeling,” he said.
He added that racing in front of the Greyville crowd created an incredible rush, describing the roar of the spectators as similar to standing inside a canyon.
Justin Snaith Moves Closer to Historic July Record
The victory marked another milestone for champion trainer Justin Snaith.
Snaith trained both NOTE TO SELF and runner-up WISH LIST, securing the first two places in South Africa’s premier horseracing event.
The result leaves him just one victory short of equalling legendary trainer Syd Laird’s record of seven Durban July wins.
With another dominant performance on one of South African racing’s biggest stages, Snaith continues to strengthen his place in the history of the iconic race.
Country Allure Takes Over Durban July Fashion
While the horses delivered drama on the track, racegoers brought style, creativity and glamour to the fashion stage.
This year’s Country Allure theme inspired striking interpretations of contemporary South African style.
The Raceday Fashion Awards, presented by Durban Fashion Fair, attracted 150 entrants. Fashion lovers competed across four categories: Most Striking Couple, Classic Racewear – Female, Classic Racewear – Male, and Exceptional Raceday Hat or Fascinator.
The Pulse Stage came alive with sophisticated tailoring, bold silhouettes, handcrafted accessories and imaginative designs.
Once again, the Hollywoodbets Durban July proved that it is as much a celebration of fashion and creativity as it is of horseracing.
The Big Raceday Fashion Winners
Gistine Kifubula took home the Classic Female title in a design by Nqobisa Ndabeni. Her elegant look captured the spirit of Country Allure and impressed the judges.
“I am so grateful and amazed to have won,” Kifubula said.
Larnelle Maddocks and Pamela Shabane successfully defended their Most Striking Couple title. The pair wore regal matching outfits in bronze and ivory, designed by Brenda Warring.
Richard Tulinatbitu won the Classic Male category with an earth-toned ensemble. His brown jacket and matching wide-leg trousers combined modern tailoring with African-inspired craftsmanship.
Each category winner received R5 000 from Race Coast and Schweppes, as well as beauty and wellness prizes.
Mlungisi Ndlovu Wins Young Designer Award
One of the day’s most emotional moments came when Mlungisi Ndlovu from Durban University of Technology was announced as the winner of the 2026 Young Designer Award sponsored by Metro FM.
Ndlovu impressed the judges with a striking Nguni-inspired design.
His creation drew inspiration from the colours, textures and patterns associated with the iconic Nguni animal. He transformed these elements into a contemporary couture piece that captured the Country Allure theme.
In a creative twist, Ndlovu used coffee to stain the fabric and achieve the desired visual effect.
“I can’t believe it. It feels unreal. I am happy, but I can’t believe this is happening. I really didn’t think I had a chance,” he said.
As the overall winner, Ndlovu will receive a fashion travel package to Johannesburg to attend SA Fashion Week 2026. He also receives R70 000 in bursary funding from the Hollywood Foundation, R10 000 in cash from Race Coast and Schweppes, and a professional make-up voucher.
Emerging Designers Step Into the Spotlight
Second place went to iGoda incubator student Dalisu Vumase.
The emotional young designer, who comes from Esikhawini township near Empangeni, turned to fashion design as a way to create employment for himself.
His colourful fabric strips captured the Country Allure theme through originality, technical skill and contemporary flair.
Vumase will receive R50 000 in bursary funding from the Hollywood Foundation, R3 000 in cash, and a professional make-up voucher.
Thato Selekane took third place with a design inspired by Pedi culture. Her creation featured iconic grey river beads and showcased the richness of cultural storytelling through fashion.
Each of the ten finalists also received R2 000 in cash.
A Celebration of Racing, Fashion and African Creativity
The 2026 Hollywoodbets Durban July once again proved why it remains one of Africa’s biggest sporting and social events.
NOTE TO SELF delivered the racing moment of the day. The Country Allure theme brought South African creativity to life. Emerging designers showed that the future of local fashion is bold, imaginative and deeply connected to African identity.
From the thunder of hooves at the finish line to the statement-making designs on the fashion stage, the Hollywoodbets Durban July delivered a day filled with excitement, style and unforgettable moments.