Hollywoodbets Durban July ’23 – A Host Of Glorious Firsts!

The 127th edition of Africa’s Greatest Race at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Saturday was a memorable event full of firsts: Bred and driven by Drakenstein, Winchester Mansion capped his courageous recovery from a serious injury as a yearling to name himself and his connections in history to write SA turf history books.

Sponsored for the second time by South Africa’s leading bookmakers, the R5 million Gr1 Hollywoodbets Durban July delivered an exciting ending which saw the estimated nearly 50,000 spectators walk away as favourites. See It Again and his senior Winchester Mansion went head-to-head in a thrilling sprint to the finish line.

While Piere Strydom, like Frankie Dettori, a veteran champion in his final season, wanted his run perfectly timed on Michael Roberts’ “See It Again,” newcomer Kabelo Matsunyane had other ideas as he pushed Winchester Mansion to the limit.

Just as cucumber-cool Strydom seemed to have the edge when 3-year-old stallion See It Again switched legs, the 3.5kg rebate brought by 4-year-old gelding Winchester Mansion counted as the Crawford -runner prevailed and got the lead in one minute time of 133.85 seconds.

At the finish line, a quarter-length separated the top two, with Winchester Mansion giving Kabelo Matsunyane a maiden Gr1 win in his first season as a full rider, and the top-flight Drakenstein side, along with their kingpin Trippi and trainer Brett Crawford, celebrating their first Durban victories together victories in July.

With the first two being dangerously close and there being a bump or two, a race review was called but no further action was taken.

“See It Again” was reviewed right after “Without Question” on the subway, and whether that cost him valuable energy and ground at a crucial point is debated.

Another 2.50 lengths back in third place was Sean Tarry’s plucky three-year-old filly Bless My Stars ridden by Sporting Post’s Ahandiwe Mgudlwa, while legendary double winner Do It Again stayed in fourth place for best Snaith attack.

The 8-year-old has twice won exceptionally, taking a place in all of his six applications in July. He was awarded a special saddle pad to recognize his status as one of the greats of the legendary competition.

Winchester Mansion is three runs down and is another successful product from the hugely successful Crawford Racing Highveld office run by the senior trainer’s son James.

He is a Drakenstein winner and descends from Champion Trippi (End Sweep) out of Spectrum mare Sea Point.

Winchester Mansion is now a 5 race winner with 7 places in 15 starts and has increased his Stakes Win to R3 504 100.

What a race – and a finish to be repeated for years to come!

Have fun again: