Crisp winter weather, a track full of stars, and a capacity crowd of celebrities and socialites turned up for an “Out of this World” experience that made for a spectacular 127th Hollywoodbets Durban July.
While racing aficionados eagerly anticipated a thrilling seventh race when 18 former and future champs went head to head for a sizable share of the R5 million stake, Greyville Racecourse was a flurry of wonderful – and weird – outfits that wowed the crowds during race day fashion showcases and competitions. The infield Marquee Village and dozens of plush suites in the grandstand were also ablaze with colour as décor specialists strove to out-do each other.
Each of the 12 races on the card were followed by fashion and entertainment, culminating in a captivating rendition of the national anthem by the Ndlovu Youth Choir.It was and no doubt always will remain a day when problems are forgotten and fun-loving South Africans from all walks of life share in one of the country’s most iconic annual sporting and social occasions.
Winners of the Most Striking Couple where Larnelle Maddocks and Mbali Myende wearing Brenda Waring creations. Photo Stuart Queripel, Gameplan Media
Trevor Murima, Angel Khoza, Pearl Mkhize and Designer Mpilonhle Gumede. Photo by Dawn Rouse
The Ndlovu Youth Choir wowed the crowd. Photo Stuart Queripel, Gameplan Media
Thando Sibisi dressed by Xolani Mawande. Photo Stuart Queripel, Gameplan Media
Sai and Nelo Naicker model a creation by Nelo. Photo Stuart Queripel, Gameplan Media
Ryan and Elmarie Gossayn in creations by Elmarie Jooste Couture. Photo Stuart Queripel, Gameplan Media
Pearl Mkhize in a Mpilonhle Gumede design. Photo by Dawn Rouse (3)
Pearl Mkhize in a Mpilonhle Gumede design. Photo by Dawn Rouse (2)
Pearl Mkhize in a Mpilonhle Gumede design. Photo by Dawn Rouse (1)
Outfits by DFF Rising Stars Scelo Dlezi, Sizwe Ncube and Martin John are modelled by Mbali Buthelezi, Lerato Makhobela and Nomfundo Khumalo. Photo Ant Grote, Gameplan Media
Nobuhle Mkhwanazi in a Luko Design creation. Photo Stuart Queripel, Gameplan Media
Nerina Wiehahn shows off her own creation. Photo Stuart Queripel, Gameplan Media
Nerina Wiehahn shows off her own creation. Photo Stuart Queripel, Gameplan Media
Neo Tsofela dressed by Botshelo Molete. Photo Stuart Queripel, Gameplan Media
Mvelo Ngobo models an Otes creation. Photo Stuart Queripel, Gameplan Media
Model Shanae de Villiers dressed in a design by Mi Mangaliso. Photo Stuart Queripel, Gameplan Media
Minehle Ngcobo and Mholi Luthuli dressed by Nguni Shades. Photo Stuart Queripel, Gameplan Media
Michele Burke in a Xhanti Mpu creation. Photo Stuart Queripel, Gameplan Media
Mamantsoe Mokoatle in her own creation. Photo Stuart Queripel, Gameplan Media
Koketso Mofutsanyana and Lihle Dlame model Mntho Ngema’s work. Photo Stuart Queripel, Gameplan Media
Jolene Faber came second in the Exceptional Hat or Fascinator category modelling the work of Loice Dube. Photo Stuart Queripel, Gameplan Media (1)
Jolene Faber came second in the Exceptional Hat or Fascinator category modelling the work of Loice Dube. Photo Stuart Queripel, Gameplan Media (1)
Designer Mpilonhle Gumede in his own design. Photo by Dawn Rouse (2)
Designer Mpilonhle Gumede in his own design. Photo by Dawn Rouse (1)
Designer Lwandle Zwezwe with model Ashton Vere. Photo Stuart Queripel, Gameplan Media
Cyra van der Merwe and Lungelo Mathonsi model the work of sisters Catherine and Irene Nolan. Photo Stuart Queripel, Gameplan Media
Angel Khoza in a Mpilonhle Gumede design. Photo by Dawn Rouse