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Horse racing in South Africa began in the late 18th century and continues to be popular despite other sports arguably overtaking it in public opinion since then. If you’re interested in seeing an exciting race, what are some of the best options in the country?

The Durban July Handicap

One of the longest-established turf races in South Africa, the Durban Handicap is run on the first Saturday of July every year. The setting is Greyville Racecourse in Durban, with horses of all ages taking part. This is considered the top race in the country, with a purse of around R5 million currently up for grabs. It was first run in the 1890s and the current distance is 2,200 metres. Horse races like this have had a big impact on popular culture which means we can find many TV shows about it, such as 2023’s docu-series The Ride of the Peacemaker which re-traces the epic horseback journey made by Dick King in 1842.

President Jacob Zuma attends Durban July” (CC BY-ND 2.0) by GovernmentZA 

The sport has also made its way into gaming in different ways, such as in online casino games. The best horse racing-themed slots give an interesting way of playing a classic casino game with a unique twist. Big Racing by Cayetano and Derby Wheel by Play’n Go add horses to a classic slot game format. Meanwhile, Slingo Racing uses this sport as the setting for a game that plays like a cross between slots and bingo.

Apart from the action on the track, the Durban event is also well-known for the chance it gives spectators to put on their most fashionable or outrageous outfits. The AFI Fashion Experience with Gemelli is a VIP enclosure at the racetrack where you’ll see fashion shows and some incredible clothes.

The Gauteng Summer Cup

This racing event takes place in late November at Turffontein Racecourse in Johannesburg. The first record of the event taking place was way back in 1887. It’s now become one of the most famous sporting events in the country, as well as the chance for thousands of visitors to enjoy the fashion and entertainment that is on offer.

The list of the top horse racing movies of all time is led by 2010’s Secretariat, according to many experts. Starring Diane Lane and John Malkovich, this is a beautiful re-telling of the tale of the most famous racehorse of all time. 2009’s Tornado and the Kalahari Horse Whisperer adds a South African slant to the genre in the shape of the local horse whisperer Barrie Burger played by Danny Keogh.

HDR Style Horse Racing Photo” (CC BY 2.0) by Paolo Camera

The Cape Town Met

Formerly known as the Sun Met, this famous race is held at the Kenilworth Racecourse on the final Saturday of each January. You might see it described as Africa’s Richest Race Day, but the R5 million prize puts it in line with the Summer Cup these days.

The races held across South Africa continue to be hugely popular, so we can expect horse racing to remain a big part of popular culture for some time to come.