A race with a rich and proud history of being contested by generations of turf champions for 125 years, and internationally recognized as Africa’s premier horse racing event, the Durban July will be sponsored by the leading betting operator of South Africa Hollywoodbets, effective 2022 renewal on Saturday July 2.
The announcement of the spectacular 2200m Grade 1’s new main sponsor was accompanied by the news that the race will receive a 250% price increase over the 2021 offer and bring a record participation of R5 million.
Hollywoodbets joins Rothmans and Vodacom as the third big race sponsor in 59 years.
In recognition of the vital role grooms play in the racing industry, Hollywoodbets and Gold Circle have simultaneously announced increased rewards for the grooms of winning horses from R1,000 to R2,000 per race, for the months of March, April and may. . This joint venture between the operator and Hollywoodbets, known as the Grooms Initiative, has already put almost R2 million in the pockets of a key sector of the industry since its launch in 2019.
Cape Met winning owner Ashwin Reynolds, his wife Rene and son Brandon attended the special announcement (Pic – Candiese Lenferna)
Well known as a community driven brand, Hollywoodbets has a long history of investing in the growth and success of horse racing, as well as improving the communities in which it operates.
The Hollywoodbets Durban July is the flagship event for the season’s roster of KZN East Coast champions, who will also receive a major injection of R13 million. The increased prize money for South Africa’s pre-eminent racing season will apply to major and minor races held in the holiday province from March 1 to August 31.
These groundbreaking announcements, which will be music to the ears of racing fans and sports stakeholders nationwide, were made jointly by racing operator KZN Gold Circle and Hollywoodbets during an enthusiastic cocktail reception at Hollywoodbets Greyville Thursday night.
Hosted by well-known broadcast personality and Hollywoodbets brand ambassador Carol Tshabalala, guests included other sporting code personalities and local government and corporate dignitaries.
Hollywoodbets special guests enjoy the festivities (Pic – Candiese Lenferna)
The city’s iconic racecourse hosted Durban’s July during two world wars, and the international sporting event dates back to Saturday July 17, 1897, when Campanajo crossed the finish line first in what was then a contest of mile.
Hollywoodbets Chief Commercial Officer Sandisiwe Bhengu said, “This is a defining moment for Hollywoodbets as we proudly take the reins of this unique event. Our business success was built on the foundations of horse racing, and we are now able to continue that legacy with the help of a powerful platform. It is a huge honor for us. »
“We aim to be more than just a title sponsor,” Bhengu said. “We align with projects we truly believe in, and the Hollywoodbets Durban July has the potential to generate incredible opportunity and transformation.”
Ms Bhengu said the vision for this era of Hollywoodbets Durban July is to open up the thrills and benefits of the racing industry to a wider audience.
“The scale of this event goes well beyond horse racing, spanning tourism, entertainment, fashion and small and medium business. The reach and influence, both brand and economically, provide jobs for thousands of people.”
Gold Circle Events and Marketing Manager, Stephen Marshall, said: “Durban July is perhaps the most unique South African event in that it reflects our country’s national journey. It has gone from strength to strength over the past 20 years because the social profile of participants, spectators and audiences has changed along with our society as a whole.
Hollywoodbets guests stepped out in style to celebrate the news (Photo – Candiese Lenferna)
“With Hollywoodbets joining us on this epic journey, we hope to continue the legacy we have built,” he concluded.
Durban’s July injected almost R300m of GDP into the economy in 2019, the last year the public was allowed to attend. This is an event that involves more than race day.
In a rousing culmination for the best South African horse racing news all year round, Hollywoodbets and Gold Circle have invited everyone to join in the incredible build-up to the big race day with entertainment and events. Spectaculars planned across the city for the whole week, as well as after the event which will support a wide range of businesses.
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