2026 Durban July Gallops - Who impressed during Thursday's open workout?
At the official Durban July gallops, 12 of the 18 race entrants exercised on the Greyville track, providing valuable insight into their form ahead of the July 4 event. Notably, front-runner Viva's Liberte clocked the fastest 800m time, boosting his credentials. While several favourites—including Star Major—were absent, pre-recorded gallops were shown for public assessment. Trainers seemed unconcerned about the measured pace, with standout performances from Wish List and Isivivane also noted. The session reinforced competitive expectations, with horses and trainers gearing up confidently for race day.
- Viva's Liberte posted the fastest gallop at the official Durban July workouts
- Favourite Star Major and a few others did not participate, sharing video gallops instead
- Trainers remain upbeat, with several horses showing strong form ahead of the July 4 race
The official Durban July gallops took place on Thursday, as 12 of the 18 entrants were put through their paces on the Greyville track.
Current favourite Star Major didn't strut his stuff in front of the gathered press. Hazy Dazy, Olivia's Way and Minogue were also kept at home, along with The Ultimate King, Aladdin's Lamp, Curious Girl and first reserve Choisaanada. Pre-recorded gallops were shown for the missing entrants, allowing the public to assess their well-being ahead of the Durban July on July 4.
2026 Durban July Gallop Times
| Name | 800m Time | Final 400m |
|---|---|---|
| Viva's Liberte | 47.9 | 23.9 |
| Isivivane | 48.11 | 21.91 |
| Native River | 48.11 | 21.91 |
| Wish List | 48.12 | 22.1 |
| King Pelles | 48.3 | 24 |
| Regulation | 48.31 | 23.91 |
| Zeitz | 49.92 | 21.92 |
| Mocha Blend | 50.2 | 23.91 |
| Gladatorian | 50.3 | 24.21 |
| I Salute You | 51.92 | 24.01 |
| Legal Counsel | 52.1 | 24.9 |
| Note To Self | 52.11 | 23.91 |
None of the 12 runners were given a particularly hard time. Justin Snaith didn't seem too bothered by the slow times recorded by Note To Self and Legal Counsel. He was, however, a little concerned by Native Ruler, who carried his head awkwardly throughout the 800m gallop.
"We will have a look at that," Snaith said. "Something could be bothering him, maybe it's as simple as a tooth."
Andrew Fortune was delighted with Wish List, who looked in pristine condition during the gallop. Fortune said that Snaith's mare "never disappoints me" after recording the fourth-fastest gallop time of the 12 runners.
Viva's Liberte, a likely pace angle in this year's contest, covered the 800m in the fastest time. Candice Bass' three-year-old showed good speed under Craig Zackey and shortened slightly in the Durban July betting following Thursday's workout.
Despite many claiming that the extended trip would emphasise his proven stamina, King Pelles showed plenty of pace in his public gallop. Many in attendance commented on the condition of Mocha Blend, who took to the track last and looked particularly well under jockey Tristan Godden.
Isivivane's time also caught the eye, as Peter Muscutt's contender recorded the second-fastest gallop of the morning. Gladatorian was given an easy time of things after his excellent run in the Gold Challenge, while Regulation and Zeitz also shaped well during their gallops.
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