Heavy Metal wins in Durban in 2013. (Image: timeslive.co.za)

With Africa’s biggest horse race just around the corner, there have been several changes to the starting line up for July 4th’s Vodacom Durban. The South African handicap, run over 11 furlongs and nearly 120 years old, has lost five of its original runners recently, including King Of Pain and Siren’s Call. With Inara, Same Jurisdiction and Louis The King also out of the running, it just goes to show that punters need to keep an eye on the sports pages. Replacements include Punta Arenas, priced at around 5000 as of early June, as well as Dynastic Power, favorite amongst the newcomers at around 2500.

Race Fever!

The often-humid east coast city of Durban, famous for (amongst other things) “bunny chow”, a delicacy consisting of a hollowed out loaf filled with curry, is a great spot to visit for horse race fans. Race fever surrounding the Vodacom Durban starts as early as April. Gambling is quite heavily controlled in South Africa, and Durbanites tend to make the most of South Africa’s traditionally more relaxed attitude to horse race betting. By contrast, casino gambling, including online via guide sites like Yebo Yes, which provides information on trusted and legal sites, is relatively strictly controlled. Brick-and-mortar casinos, as well as the SA National Lottery, are also popular but subject to strict licensing.

Visiting Durban

For overseas visitors, July is a good time to go, as the southern hemisphere city experiences mild temperatures – usually between the mid-60s and low 70s Fahrenheit. Durban’s Greyville Racecourse, the venue for the event, is a legendary track with excellent facilities and a thrilling atmosphere, provided largely by the 55,000 enthusiastic race fans that pack the stands. Visitors don’t have to eat bunny chow (though it’s definitely worth trying); there’s a great selection of restaurants and bars on-site on race day, including formal and buffet choices. Away from the track, the city and surrounding areas offer amazing days out, including the Bluff Nature Reserve, shipwreck scuba diving, golf at Windsor Park and uShaka Marine World, where you’ll enjoy one of the world’s top 5 aquariums and an amazing water park.

Watching from Home

If you’re planning to watch the action at home in the US, the current joint favorites are Legislate and The Conglomerate, priced at around 1200, with Power King third at 2000. Other replacement runners include Halve The Deficit, quite strongly backed at 3300 (joint fourth); Dynamic at 4000; and Mac De Lago, a relative outsider, at 10000. Remember though – these prices will inevitably change, and the starting line up could well do the same before July 4th!