Favourite Star Major OUT of the 2026 Durban July
Star Major, the early favourite for Saturday's Durban July, has been pulled out of the race after spiking a temperature post-workout. This last-minute exit dashed the hopes of jockey Mickaëlle Michel and resulted in significant changes to the race's betting landscape. With Star Major out, Note To Self and Wish List are now at the top of the bookmakers' lists, while Choisaanada steps in as a reserve at odds of 16/1. The withdrawal follows previous high-profile scratches, leaving the field wide open.
- Star Major, the race favourite, scratched from Durban July due to a temperature
- Jockey Mickaëlle Michel's historic chance lost; betting odds reshuffled
- Choisaanada enters the field as a reserve at 16/1 odds
Former favourite Star Major has been scratched from Saturday's Durban July.
Victories in the WSB Guineas and the Grade One Daily News 2000 had propelled Star Major to the head of the Durban July betting. Young jockey Mickaëlle Michel was in the saddle for that Group One success, and was hoping to become the first female rider to win South Africa's most prestigious race.
Sadly, those dreams were dashed on Tuesday. James Crawford was forced to withdraw Star Major from Saturday's Durban July after his colt spiked a temperature following a morning workout.
A 20% deduction will apply to all bets struck after the announcement of the final field. First reserve Choisaanada will now take his place in the line-up and will break from stall four on Saturday.
Star Major's withdrawal has resulted in Justin Snaith's pair of Note To Self and Wish List rising to the head of the Durban July betting, with Choisaanada entering the market at 16/1.
This year's Durban July was dealt a major blow at the second declaration stage, when leading older horses See It Again, Eight On Eighteen and defending champion The Real Prince were all scratched from the contest.
Now, just days before the race, the ante-post favourite has also been ruled out. Star Major's absence is a significant setback and will undoubtedly be felt in the build-up to Saturday's Durban July.
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