Hollywoodbets doubles price pool for the Durban July

This makes the Durban July Africa’s richest horse race.

Hollywoodbets started sponsoring the event in 2022 where they raised the price money from R2 million to R5 million.

Speaking to Andile Ncube on SABC 3, Lembede says it was important for Hollywoodbets to raise the price pool as part of their 130th celebration.

“Hollywoodbets hosts one of the biggest horse events in Africa which is the Hollywoodbets Durban July. I’m sure you guys know it, fun, music and lifestyle event. The 2026 version will be our 130th, it’s an interrupted event. It’s been happening every year since,” Lembede said.

“We’ve got a massive announcement to make, this year’s event had the main race which had a prize pool of R5 million which usually happens at about 4 o’clock. Next year’s event, we are doubling that, to the entrants that are coming in, so for the entries that are coming in, we are also improving the handicaps for the entries of the horses. 

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Which makes it balanced, which means there are no underdogs, overdogs, everyone is gonna level the playing field. So, the biggest news is that the price pool for the main race is R10 million."