2026 Durban July Gallops - Full Times and Trainer Reactions

John Eastwood

Editor

Last updated: Fri 26 Jun 2026 10:27

John Eastwood 2 hours ago

Share this article

12 of 18 Durban July entrants completed official Greyville gallops
Viva's Liberte, Isivivane, and Wish List stood out with strong performances
Star Major and other favourites were assessed via pre-recorded workouts

Greyville racecourse. (Getty)

The official Durban July gallops took place on Thursday, as 12 of the 18 entrants were put through their paces on the Greyville track.

Current favourite Star Major didn't strut his stuff in front of the gathered press. Hazy Dazy, Olivia's Way and Minogue were also kept at home, along with The Ultimate King, Aladdin's Lamp, Curious Girl and first reserve Choisaanada. Pre-recorded gallops were shown for the missing entrants, allowing the public to assess their well-being ahead of the Durban July on July 4.

2026 Durban July Gallop Times

Name	800m Time	Final 400m
Viva's Liberte	47.9	23.9
Isivivane	48.11	21.91
Native River	48.11	21.91
Wish List	48.12	22.1
King Pelles	48.3	24
Regulation	48.31	23.91
Zeitz	49.92	21.92
Mocha Blend	50.2	23.91
Gladatorian	50.3	24.21
I Salute You	51.92	24.01
Legal Counsel	52.1	24.9
Note To Self	52.11	23.91

None of the 12 runners were given a particularly hard time. Justin Snaith didn't seem too bothered by the slow times recorded by Note To Self and Legal Counsel. He was, however, a little concerned by Native Ruler, who carried his head awkwardly throughout the 800m gallop.

"We will have a look at that," Snaith said. "Something could be bothering him, maybe it's as simple as a tooth."

Andrew Fortune was delighted with Wish List, who looked in pristine condition during the gallop. Fortune said that Snaith's mare "never disappoints me" after recording the fourth-fastest gallop time of the 12 runners.

Viva's Liberte, a likely pace angle in this year's contest, covered the 800m in the fastest time. Candice Bass' three-year-old showed good speed under Craig Zackey and shortened slightly in the Durban July betting following Thursday's workout.

Despite many claiming that the extended trip would emphasise his proven stamina, King Pelles showed plenty of pace in his public gallop. Many in attendance commented on the condition of Mocha Blend, who took to the track last and looked particularly well under jockey Tristan Godden.

Isivivane's time also caught the eye, as Peter Muscutt's contender recorded the second-fastest gallop of the morning. Gladatorian was given an easy time of things after his excellent run in the Gold Challenge, while Regulation and Zeitz also shaped well during their gallops.