All of the Hollywoodbets Durban July runners are subject to a mandatory veterinarian inspection as per the press release that came out last week.
The first phase of this innovation was done on Wednesday when all of the Turffontein and Randjesfontein-based July runners were inspected.
The second phase was done at Summerveld today (Friday) and it all 18 horses are still.
There have been no further scratchings.
Therefore, eighteen fit and healthy horses will line up at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Saturday at 16H00 for the continent’s greatest horse race.
The press release on this subject stated:
PRE-RACE VETERINARY INSPECTIONS FOR THE HOLLYWOODBETS DURBAN JULY –
RACE 7 – HOLLYWOODBETS GREYVILLE RACECOURSE – 4 JULY 2026
The National Horseracing Authority (NHA) confirms that all horses running in the 2026 Hollywoodbets Durban July will undergo mandatory pre-race veterinary inspections within 72 hours of the race.
These inspections form part of the NHA’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding equine welfare, maintaining the integrity of racing, and ensuring that all runners are fit to compete.
The inspections will be conducted by NHA veterinarians and will include a comprehensive assessment of each horse’s general health, soundness, and suitability to race.
Vee Moodley
Chief Executive
The appointed Hollywoodbets Durban July veterinarian team for the race day is as listed below and members of this team would likely have done inspections accompanied by a stipendiary steward.
Dr M D Bawden, Chief Veterinarian
Dr R Crosley, Senior Veterinarian
Dr G Deminey, Veterinarian
Dr E Zarate Jebeto, Veterinarian
The stipendiary steward team for race day is as below:
Mr R Hutcheson, Executive Chief Stipendiary Steward
Mr G Foxcroft (Acting Chief Stipendiary Steward)
Mr D M Anderson (Deputy Chief Stipendiary Steward)
Mr L Anderson, Chief Stipendiary Steward
Mr D Moodley, Stipendiary Steward
Mrs J Naidoo, Stipendiary Steward
Mr S Randolph, Stipendiary Steward
