First Durban July horses set to drop on April 25

The Durban July field will begin to take shape this week, with the two bookie elects, reigning champion Oriental Charm and SA Derby winner Eight on Eighteen, expected to be among the April 25 announcement. 

Oriental Charm is paying 8.00 to win the Durban July and become the first horse since Justin Snaith’s aptly titled Do It Again to win successive editions, while Eight on Eighteen (9.00) and Legend of Arthur (11.00) are also attracting early interest. 

Snaith, who has Eight on Eighteen and Sail The Seas this year, confirmed his pair would return to the track on Saturday, May 3, just under two months out from the Durban July. They will both be nominated for the Group 2 Drill Hall Stakes and the Group 2 KZN Guineas. 

“Connections will make a decision after draws are announced,” Snaith told media. 

Oriental Charm, trained by Brett and James Crawford, has not raced since January when finishing second in the Group 1 Cape Town Met but that has not stopped punters from backing the five year old heavily. It would be the Crawfords third successive win in the R5million Durban July, after they also trained Winchester Mansion to win in the 2023 edition. 

The Durban July is the no.1 race in South African racing, and while it has great racing, it is also a huge social event for racing fans, with things like Fashion on the Field and a theme making it exceptionally popular. 

The 2025 Durban July will have a “Marvels of Mzansi” theme, with previous years including Stars of Africa, Out This World and Ride the Wave. This year’s theme will tap into South African heritage and celebrating the rainbow nation. 

You can view the full list of horses with Durban July ante-post odds available right here.