July 04, 2008, 18:30
Organisers in Durban are putting final touches to preparations for the glitzy horse racing event due to be held tomorrow. The Durban July Handicap is South Africa's thoroughbred horse race held annually on the first Saturday of July since 1897 at Greyville Racecourse in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.
The Durban July Handicap is open to horses of all ages. South Africa's premier horse racing event currently offers a purse of R2.5 million. When the race started in 1897, it was held at a distance of 1 600m. The distance was modified several times until 1970 when it was changed to its current 2 200m.
This year, Cape Town horse, Pocket Power, has emerged as a favourite. Andrew Harrison, the publishing manager at Gold Circle, says: "… He (Pocket Power) has been the favourite since betting opened, and he is (likely) to become the first horse since Politician to win two J&B Mets and Vodacom July."
River Jetez, Dancers Daughters and Wendywood are also in the running. A global Trifecta pool will allow punters on three continents to place a bet.
Tourism in the province is likely to benefit as well. Ken Tweddell, the marketing manager at Gold Circle, says: "We are estimating about R200 million will be brought into Durban over this weekend."
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