Cape Dreams News from in and around the Cape
Africa’s greatest horseracing event delivers on and off the track at Hollywoodbets Greyville
HERMAN R GIBBS
Durban, 4 July 2026 — The exhilarating atmosphere at Hollywoodbets Greyville reached new heights on Saturday as NOTE TO SELF swept to a stunning victory in the prestigious R10 Million Hollywoodbets Durban July Gr 1, firmly etching its name into the annals of horse racing history.
With a capacity crowd roaring in approval, the race concluded in a heart-stopping finish, solidifying the day as a spectacle of thrilling sport.
In a moment of poetic irony, the race was a joint ownership triumph for Nancy Hossack, as NOTE TO SELF narrowly edged out the strong contender WISH LIST, denying 59-year-old jockey Andrew Fortune the opportunity to crown what would have been a memorable bookend to his long and illustrious career.
Fortune, who entered the race with high hopes and confidence, prepared to celebrate as WISH LIST surged ahead, seemingly poised to clinch victory. Yet, fortune often favours the bold, as jockey Richard Fourie had other plans.
Maintaining a strategic position within the pack before unleashing a blistering late run down the outside of the straight, Fourie guided NOTE TO SELF to a thrilling photo finish. While Fortune’s WISH LIST appeared to race ahead after making a decisive move over the subway, the late surge from Fourie proved irresistible.
Fortune, embodying true sportsmanship, graciously extended his hand to congratulate Fourie after the race, a gesture recognised by all in attendance.
This year’s edition of the Durban July not only highlighted the sheer drama of the race but also underscored the prowess of champion trainer Justin Snaith, who trained the top two finishers. Snaith now finds himself just one victory away from equalling the legendary Syd Laird’s record of seven July wins—a goal he may well achieve in future contests, considering his star-studded roster.
As the horses thundered down the stretch, Fourie’s excitement was palpable. “I don’t know. I blacked out at the top of the straight,” he admitted, reflecting on the overwhelming rush of adrenaline that accompanied his first win in this prestigious event. “There’s no better feeling than winning it the first time, but today’s win is a great feeling—doing it in front of the HWB Greyville crowd is such a rush.”
Fourie paused, a broad smile crossing his face. “It’s like being in a canyon. It was just a lovely race, and the win was as sweet as it can be.”
With each passing year, the Durban July continues to showcase the very best of the sport, enthralling fans and participants alike with its blend of fierce competition and spectacular displays of equine strength and agility.
