In a thrilling duel to the line, The Real Prince was crowned king of the 2025 Hollywoodbets Durban July at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Saturday.
Ridden by Craig Zackey and trained by Dean Kannemeyer, The Real Prince narrowly got the better of race favourite Eight On Eighteen in the Grade 1 R5 million race.
Third was Selukwe with Royal Victory finishing strongly for fourth.
Question mark
The Real Prince’s full brother Gimme A Prince was crowned Champion Sprinter two season’s back so there was always a question mark hanging over his ability to stay the 2 200m trip of the Hollywoodbets Durban July.
That was answered in no uncertain manner as The Real Prince fought off Eight On Eighteen who was attempting to become the first three-year-old to win the Grade 1 WSB Cape Met and the July in the same season.
As expected, Oriental Charm set the early pace, but JP van der Merwe was in no great hurry, stacking the field up behind him.
Richard Fourie angled Eight On Eighteen in from his 11 draw, but was not able to get anywhere near the rail in the early exchanges.
With the pace pedestrian, Fourie made a dash around the final turn hitting the front shortly after crossing the subway and going clear.
It looked to be a winning move until The Real Prince loomed up on his outside.
Zackey had given his mount a copy book ride, cosy on the rail and keeping Eight On Eighteen in his sights.
As Fourie went for broke, Zackey got a clear path and gradually reeled in his rival.
It was a nod of the heads at the line, but Kannemeyer had his fourth Hollywoodbets Durban July winner in the bag and his second for Lady Christine Laidlaw and Khaya Stables.
It was a plan come together said Kannemeyer speaking in the third person.
“Where were we going to place him. The first time we tried him over a mile he won by six lengths. Great run in the Drill Hall. If we run him in the Gold Challenge and run fourth the handicapper is going to be looking for you. You have to come in at the right time with the right weight and we got the right draw.”
Watch the closing stages with Xhosa commentary below:
Watch the full race – in English – below:
Did you watch the 2025 Hollywoodbets Durban July – and win any money?
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