The Durban July Handicap

First run in 1897, the Durban July is South Africas'premier horse race, with a purse of R2.5 million. Run at Greyville racecourse, Durban, Kwa Zulu Natal on the first Saturday in July every year, it has also become some what of a day of fashion as well.

Steeped in tradition with a rich history of the finest thoroughbreds racing neck and neck, and the excitement of the 'Bookies' offering various odds, with crowds cheering their fancied horse home, this is a day of ups and downs that really gets the heart pumping and the blood flowing.

Over its 112 year history only four horses have ever won this race in consecutive years:-

1. Companajo 1897/1898
2. Corriecrian 1907/1908
3. Milesia Pride 1949/1950
4. El Picha 1999/2000

There have also been some notable winners of this race who have gone onto greater things, the most well known being Colorado King who raced in the United States and won the Hollywood Gold Cup and then set a world record over 9 furlongs (approximately 1800m) when winning the American Handicap in 1964. Some of the others who have held the South African flag high internationally are:- London News, Ipi Tombe and Greys Inn.