3 July 2019, by: BET Editor

WATCH: THE 5 BEST DURBAN JULY HANDICAPS

With South Africa’s greatest horse race mere days away, we took a trip down memory lane and dug up what footage we could of the greatest Durban July Handicaps ever run.

Selection criteria ranged from the closest finishes to the greatest champions, and of course the ones we won the most money on.

Also Read: Bet.co.za Durban July 2020 Promotions

Also Read: A guide to the Durban July 2020

Also Read: Durban July 2020 Final Field

1967 – Jollify vs Sea Cottage

If you stoke up any old school horse racing fan enough to remember the 60s, they will immediately jump to this race.

Sea Cottage goes down in history as the shortest-priced favourite to win the race, albeit in a dead heat with the lesser fancied Jollify. The story goes that Jollify claimed the victory assuming position in the #1 box, only for the victory to be shared upon a race review.

Being the dawn of TV, with no camera on the line, we’ll let you enjoy it in all its retro glory.

2000 – El Picha does the double!

El Picha’s success in big races was record-setting at the time, retiring as the highest stakes winner in South African racing history. A fairytale career really.

His famous win in the 2000 Durban July was a standout, and he remains the last horse to win back-to-back. Winning this handicap the first time means the following year you’ll start carrying more weight; a much tougher task. It was actually his double-clinching victory, however, holding off Young Rake, that’s considered the better of the two wins.

2002 – Ipi Tombe

From humble beginnings in Zimbabwe to being crowned Dubai Horse of the Year. The story of Ipi Tombe’s win in the 2002 Durban July is a standout in recent racing history.

After famously being sold for $30 at auction, she went on to become the darling of racing, and the gutsy way in which she won will never be forgotten. She was over a dozen lengths off the pace as they turned for home, but with the guidance of Kevin Shea she found gap after gap to reel them in and get up on the line.

This was her last race in South Africa before heading off to beat the world’s best in the Dubai Duty Free amongst other group races, before heading to stud.

2008 – Pocket Power shares the spoils

Close finishes are regular occurrences in high-quality handicap races. In 2008 Pocket Power, known affectionately as ‘The People’s Champion’, had to settle for a share of the title with Dancer’s Daughter.

Pocket Power was more well known for dominating the Queen’s Plate and winning SA Horse Of The Year 3 times. This Durban July victory came at the height of his career. Being well loved by the public, his late turn of speed meant thrilling finishes were a regular occurrence. This race was no different, and as such, sticks out as one of the greats.

2011 – Igugu does it for De Kock

Mike De Kock, undoubtedly South Africa’s most decorated trainer, got his last Durban July winner in 2011 with Igugu. The quality of July winners have come into question in the last few years. It’s safe to say that theory grinds to a halt once we get to Igugu.

The Australian bred mare won in a style fitting for such a champion, getting into a prominent position early. She let other horses do the hard work, and easily nipped into the clear at the top of the straight. Anthony Delpech used her sheer stamina to fight off all other challengers to win by a length.