Durban July 2025 Final Field - 18 contenders confirmed for Greyville

Oriental Charm claimed victory in last year's Durban July. Juan Paul van de Merwe has been confirmed in the saddle of the defending champion once again, who will carry a top-weight of 60kg as he bids to claim back-to-back victory.

Richie Fourie rides the market leader, Eight On Eighteen, who'll carry the heaviest weight any three-year-old has ever shouldered in this historic handicap. Oriental Charm, and fellow top-weights See It Again and Gladatorian will still have to give Eight On Eighteen three pounds, with Royal Victory and Purple Pitcher also conceding weight to Justin Snaith's favourite. 

Snaith accounts for three of the 18-horse field, with fellow three-year-olds Okavango and Native Ruler joining Eight On Eighteen in the stalls. Immediate Edge has the handy three-year-old allowance on his side too, along with My Best Shot, Confederate and On My Honour.

Pomodoro's Jet is the oldest horse in the field. Rainbow Lorikeet is the only filly in this year's Durban July. 2021 winning jockey, Gavin Lerena partners Dolphin's Cup Trial winner Madison Valley, with Muzi Yeni riding Royal Victory for Nathan Kotzen.

Sean Tarry has decided against running Legend Of Arthur in this year's Durban July. Son Of Raj, despite his high merit rating of 119, is only the second reserve for this year's July Handicap. Sean Tarry's Litigation is the first in line to get a call-up, should any of the official 18 drop out between now and July 5th.

2025 Durban July Final Field and Jockey Bookings