2026 Durban July Final Field - Legal Counsel heads list of confirmed runners
The highly anticipated final field for the 2026 Durban July has been confirmed, with Legal Counsel, trained by Justin Snaith and ridden by Callan Murray, topping the weights at 62kg. Star Major, the market favorite, will be partnered by Mickaëlle Michel, who aims to become the first female jockey to win the event. The 2026 race features an expanded weight gap and a diverse line-up, highlighting rising talent and seasoned trainers. Fans can expect an exciting contest on July 5th with notable runners from leading stables.
- The field has been confirmed for the 2026 Durban July
- Legal Counsel is the top-weight with a weight of 62kg
- Star Major remains the market leader
The final field has been announced for the 2026 Durban July, which takes place on Saturday, July 5th.
Legal Counsel heads the weights for the 2026 Durban July, and Callan Murray will shoulder 62kg in South Africa's most famous handicap. The weights have been expanded for this year's renewal, meaning there will be a 10kg gap between the top and bottom weights.
The top-weight is one of five runners for Justin Snaith, who will also be represented by fancied three-year-olds Note To Self, Wish List and Native Ruler. Zac Lloyd, a rising star of the Australian weighing room, rides Snaith's final runner, Regulation.
Mickaëlle Michel will attempt to become the first female jockey to win the Durban July when she partners James Crawford's market leader, Star Major. Candice and Tammy Dawson will have their first Durban July runner in the shape of Minogue, who will be ridden by experienced jockey Gavin Lerena.
Candice Bass' contender, Viva's Liberte, will be ridden by Craig Zackey. JP van der Merwe rides Olivia's Way for Roy Magner. Muzi Yeni jumps into the saddle of Stuart Ferrie's stable star, Gladatorian. Kabelo Matsunyane teams up with Tony Peter's The Ultimate King.
Candice Bass' contender, Viva's Liberte, will be ridden by Craig Zackey. JP van der Merwe rides Olivia's Way for Roy Magner. Muzi Yeni jumps into the saddle of Stuart Ferrie's stable star, Gladatorian. Kabelo Matsunyane teams up with Tony Peter's The Ultimate King.
Durban July regulars Serino Moodley and Sean Veale will ride Zeitz and Isivivane, respectively. Young jockey Chad Little rides King Pelles for Gareth van Zyl, with Trent Mayhew aboard Corne Spies' filly Hazy Dazy.
Tristan Godden and Frank Robinson team up with Mocha Blend. Peter Muscutt will be represented by I Salute You. Aladdin's Lamp is the sole representative for Mike and Mathew de Kock. Choisaanada and Curious Girl are the two named reserves.
2026 Durban July Final Field and Jockey Bookings
| Num. | Name | Weight | Jockey | Trainer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Legal Counsel | 62kg | Callan Murray | Justin Snaith |
| 2 | Gladatorian | 61.5kg | Muzi Yeni | Stuart Ferrie |
| 3 | King Pelles | 59kg | Chad Little | Gareth Van Zyl |
| 4 | Native Ruler | 58.5kg | Keegan De Melo | Justin Snaith |
| 5 | Star Major | 57kg | Mickaëlle Michel | James Crawford |
| 6 | Mocha Blend | 56.5kg | Tristan Godden | Frank Robinson |
| 7 | The Ultimate King | 56.5kg | Kabelo Matsunyane | Tony Peter |
| 8 | Minogue | 56kg | Gavin Lerena | Candice/Tammy Dawson |
| 9 | Note To Self | 55kg | Richie Fourie | Justin Snaith |
| 10 | Olivia's Way | 55kg | JP Van Der Merwe | Roy Magner |
| 11 | Hazy Dazy | 54.5kg | Trent Mayhew | Corne Spies |
| 12 | I Salute You | 54.5kg | Mark Du Plessis | Peter Muscutt |
| 13 | Wish List | 54.5kg | Andrew Fortune | Justin Snaith |
| 14 | Aladdin's Lamp | 53kg | Kalvin Habib | Mike & Mathew De Kock |
| 15 | Viva's Liberte | 53kg | Craig Zackey | Candice Bass |
| 16 | Zeitz | 52kg | Sereno Moodley | Willem Nel |
| 17 | Isivivane | 52kg | Sean Veale | Peter Muscutt |
| 18 | Regulation | 52kg | Zac Lloyd | Justin Snaith |
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