Durban July 2026 - Race favourite Star Major scratched with elevated temperature

Simon Lewis

Editor

Last updated: 1 hour ago

Simon Lewis 1 hour ago

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Durban July race favourite Star Major has been scratched from the race with an elevated temperature.
The 130th running of Africa’s biggest horse race will be contested by 18 horses.
This year’s Durban July offers a R10-million purse for the big race on 4 July, 2026.

Durban July (Getty Images).

The South African racing industry was hit by shock and disappointment shortly after lunchtime on Tuesday when Hollywoodbets Durban July pre-race favourite was scratched from the Grade 1 showpiece due to an elevated temperature.

The news came through at 13:40, dealing a major blow to trainer James Crawford, jockey Mickaelle Michel, and owners Ravi Naidoo of Kalinga, Jonathan Bloch and Prakashni Pillay. A 20% deduction will apply to all bets taken after the announcement of the final field.

Star Major had been set to head into the race weekend as favourite following two excellent Champions Season performances, having won both the Grade 2 WSB Guineas and the Grade 1 Daily News 2000.

Naidoo later took a philosophical view, saying part of him felt it may prove to be “a blessing in disguise”. He added that the colt had already achieved the season’s major target by winning the Daily News and that connections could now consider a more patient route, potentially including the Grade 1 Champions Cup if Star Major recovers strongly.

The scratching is also a bitter blow for Michel, who had the chance to make Durban July history and continue a remarkable personal fairytale.

Star Major will be replaced in the final field by first reserve Choisaanada, trained by Erico Verdonese, who will jump from gate 4. His inclusion adds another layer of intrigue after some controversy followed his omission from the original top 18.

Rachel Venniker, already the first female jockey to ride in the Durban July, now takes the ride on CHOISAANADA and has the chance to become the first female jockey to win the iconic race.

Following Star Major’s withdrawal, Wish List and Note To Self are the new joint favourites.

Current Durban July odds

Horse	Odds
Note to Self	4.55
Wish List	5.56
Regulation	6.25
Viva's Liberte	14.29
Zeitz	16.67
Native Ruler	16.67
Aladdin's Lamp	20.00
Gladatorian	20.00
Isivivane	20.00
Legal Counsel	20.00
Choisaanada	20.00
Mocha Blend	25.00
King Pelles	25.00
The Ultimate King	40.00
Minogue	33.33
Hazy Dazy	25.00
I Salute You	40.00
Olivia's Way	50.00