Durban July 2026 - Star Major set for a fairytale finish in Africa’s greatest horse race
Star Major is shaping up as a leading favourite for the 2026 Hollywoodbets Durban July after impressively winning the Grade 1 Daily News 2000 and securing a prime draw in gate four. The James Crawford-trained colt benefits from both a top jockey—French rider Mickaelle Michel—and the chance to deliver Crawford his first July win under his own licence. With a strong profile and key advantages in his favour, Star Major is seen as a central figure in a competitive field.
- Race favourite Star Major has been drawn in gate four for the 2026 Durban July.
- 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.
Jockey JP van der Merwe rides "Oriental Charm" to win the 2024 Durban July (Getty Images).
Star Major an early favourite
Star Major gives the 2026 Hollywoodbets Durban July one of its strongest storylines. The James Crawford-trained three-year-old comes into the Greyville showpiece as a major contender after winning the Grade 1 Daily News 2000, and he has been handed a highly favourable draw in gate four.
That draw matters. In a race over 2200m at Greyville, early position can play a huge role, and Star Major’s connections will be hoping he can settle into a smooth rhythm without being forced to work too hard early.
The rider and the trainer
There is also a compelling human angle. French jockey Mickaelle Michel has been booked for the ride, giving her the chance to create history in South Africa’s most famous race. For trainer Crawford the race also carries emotional weight. He was assistant to his father Brett when the stable won the Durban July in 2023 and 2024, but this would be his first July victory under his own licence.
Star Major still has to prove he can handle the full pressure of the July, but he arrives with the right profile: young, progressive, well drawn and already a Grade 1 winner. In a field packed with depth, he looks one of the horses around whom the whole race could revolve.
See the latest race odds here.
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