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2026 Durban July Tips - First Selection for Greyville on July 4th

jon-vine
Jon Vine
Editor
Last updated: Tue 23 Jun 2026 14:34
The field is set for the 2026 Durban July, South Africa's premier horse race at Greyville. Despite Star Major being the current favourite, the first expert tip is Note To Self (3/1), trained by record-holder Justin Snaith. While Note To Self's record isn't typical for a winner, recent strong runs and a favourable weight swing make him a standout pick among high-class three-year-olds. Young horses have dominated the race in recent years and jockey Richie Fourie has chosen Note To Self over Snaith's other runners.
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  • Free expert selections for the 2026 Durban July
  • This famous South African race will take place on July 4th
  • Note To Self is our first selection at 3/1
greyville
Greyville racecourse. (Getty)

Here's our first selection for the 2026 Durban July, which will take place at Greyville racecourse on Saturday, July 4th.

The field has been confirmed for South Africa's most lucrative horse race. 18 of the country's highest-rated thoroughbreds will battle it out at Greyville, all hoping to win the lion's share of the huge prize pot.

Usually, I'll select two or three runners to back in the Durban July, covering the different price ranges. Here's my first tip for the 2026 Durban July.

2026 Durban July Odds


Name
Odds
Star Major2/1
Note To Self3/1
Wish List5/1
Regulation8/1
Native Ruler14/1
Viva's Liberte14/1
Bar16/1
*Odds correct as of 23/6/26*


2026 Durban July Tip 1 - Note To Self


Younger horses have dominated the Durban July in recent years. Two-time winner El Picha was the last six-year-old to land this famous handicap back in 2000, while 21 of the last 25 winners have been either three or four years old.

Since leading older horses See It Again, Eight On Eighteen and The Real Prince were scratched from this year's contest, the betting has been dominated by three-year-olds. Star Major leapt to the head of the market after winning the Daily News 2000, but the one I took out of that Group One was NOTE TO SELF (3/1), and he'll be my first selection for the 2026 Durban July.

Justin Snaith's gelding doesn't have the usual profile of a Durban July winner. Note To Self has won only two of his eight career starts, and comes into the race on the back of three defeats. However, I feel this son of Futura is improving all the time, and he's had valid excuses for those recent losses.

Snaith's charge finished second behind the filly Wish List in the Cape Derby. His stablemate was receiving a handy sex allowance against the colts that day, and Richie Fourie slammed the door in Grant van Niekerk's face as Note To Self attempted to challenge along the rail, allowing Wish List to hold on comfortably in the closing stages.

Note To Self was then outpaced and hung right when beaten by Okavango and Eight On Eighteen in a conditions race over a mile here at Greyville in May. Andrew Fortune was the first jockey to get to work as Note To Self was outpaced around the home bend in the Daily News, and was then forced to make his challenge along the inside of the track, while Star Major enjoyed a dream run down the outside of the pace-setters.

Both Note To Self and Happy Verse were giving Star Major three pounds that day. In the July, Snaith's gelding will receive two kilos from his Daily News conqueror, and I expect him to improve significantly for this step up in trip.

Richie Fourie had the pick of Justin Snaith's five runners, and he's opted for Note To Self. That decision was made before Fourie's mount was drawn into the lucky stall 11. Note To Self appears to have plenty going in his favour.

Durban July 2026 FAQs

What is the Durban July?

The Durban July is South Africa's most famous horse race, attracting the country's top thoroughbreds to Greyville Racecourse each July. Run over 2200 metres, this historic handicap is regarded as the highlight of the South African racing calendar.

When is the Durban July?

The 2026 Durban July takes place at Greyville Racecourse on Saturday, July 4. The official race time is currently scheduled for 4:20pm (SAST).

Which horses are favourites for the 2026 Durban July?

The betting market is constantly changing in the weeks leading up to the race. With several leading contenders scratched from this year's contest, horses like Star Major, Note To Self, Wish List and other leading three-year-olds have moved towards the head of the betting.

Which trainer has won the most Durban Julys?

Justin Snaith holds the record for the most Durban July victories by a trainer. The champion trainer has enjoyed tremendous success in South Africa's most famous race and regularly fields strong contenders.

Where can I watch the 2026 Durban July?

The Durban July will be broadcast live in South Africa, with coverage also available through various international racing channels and online streaming services. Visit our website for more information on live streaming.

Verdict

Note To Self is our first selection for the 2026 Durban July.

Best Bet1: Note To Self 2026 Durban July Tips @3/1 at Hollywood bets - 5 Units
Note To Self
2026 Durban July Tips
@3/1 - 5 Units
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