The Hollywoodbets Durban July Final Field Announcement and Draw Ceremony will take place today at the Hollywoodbets offices in Umhlanga and this venue change is one of the innovations already incorporated by the new sponsor.
Hollywoodbets, who were founded as a horseracing concern, have been pouring their renowned energy into The July and plan to not only solidify its status as Africa’s premier horse race but to take it to a new level.
Hollywoodbets Brand And Communications manager Devin Heffer said, “The team has been working flat out from even before the launch (on February 17). There is so much happening. It is a whole new animal. Before we only had to worry about our own little July parties at our branches. But now you are taking into account the events element, the partying element, the fashion etc. This year has been a lot more about just making sure we get the basics right, but at the same time trying to add that Hollywood flair to it where we can. There are a lot of special things that will be happening and I think as the years go on it is just going to get better.”
He elaborated, “We are going to try and create those special kind of cultural things which people will associate with the race in the same way as the mint juleps at the Kentucky Derby. Those are the sort of things we want to eventually incorporate. Already you will see on July day there are going to be a lot of souvenir items, things that people can take home after the day as a memory. We are going to try and add as much value as we can for the racegoer. Obviously this year we are only going to have 50% capacity with 27,500 people there, but it might work in our favour given it is our first time doing the event. The one thing for certain though is that at the moment Hollywood is eating, living, breathing and sweating the Hollywoodbets Durban July. If you have ever been to a Hollywoodbets’ event you know what to expect in terms of what we bring to it and I think the July won’t be any different.”
Hollywoodbets are likely to have a few runners on the day, including in some of the features, although unfortunately no runners in the big one.
Devin said about today’s Final Field Announcement and Draw Ceremony, “We look forward to welcoming the horseracing industry stakeholders and owners, trainers and jockeys into our Hollywood home and family. They will be able to get a true taste of what our culture is all about.”
The Hollywoodbets Durban July Gallops will take place on Thursday at Hollywoodbets Greyville and there are also innovations expected here and in other build up events.
Devin said, “We are going to try and break down that barrier between the public and the horseracing stake holders, so we’ve got a lot of value we are trying to add to the day. We are trying to increase Supersport’s overall coverage of the race, so apart from the race day itself we are going to get them involved in the final field announcement and the gallops and we have already confirmed the panel discussion will be aired on Supersport.”
The Hollywoodbets Durban July Panel Discussion promises to be top quality this year. It takes place at Hollywoodbets Greyville in a purpose built temporary studio in the Classic Room and the line up, which will include two top trainers and two top jockeys, will be hosted by Alistair Cohen.
Devin concluded, “There is a lot that’s happening in terms of building the coverage of this race and we’re using all the connections we’ve got to make sure that come Saturday the 2nd of July we’ve given it everything we’ve got.”