Favourite Star Major OUT of the 2026 Durban July
Star Major, the former betting favourite for the Durban July, has been scratched due to a fever, ending jockey Mickaëlle Michel’s hopes of making history. Star Major’s withdrawal follows the exit of several other top contenders, including See It Again and defending champion The Real Prince. This has caused a significant shift in the betting market, with Note To Self and Wish List now leading. First reserve Choisaanada enters the race, bringing extra intrigue just days before South Africa’s premier horse racing event.
- Star Major, the former favourite for Durban July, has been scratched due to illness
- Note To Self and Wish List now head the betting; Choisaanada added to race
- Several major contenders had already withdrawn, further shaking up the line-up
Former favourite Star Major has been scratched from Saturday's Durban July.
Victories in the WSB Guineas and the Grade One Daily News 2000 had propelled Star Major to the head of the Durban July betting. Young jockey Mickaëlle Michel was in the saddle for that Group One success, and was hoping to become the first female rider to win South Africa's most prestigious race.
Sadly, those dreams were dashed on Tuesday. James Crawford was forced to withdraw Star Major from Saturday's Durban July after his colt spiked a temperature following a morning workout.
A 20% deduction will apply to all bets struck after the announcement of the final field. First reserve Choisaanada will now take his place in the line-up and will break from stall four on Saturday.
Star Major's withdrawal has resulted in Justin Snaith's pair of Note To Self and Wish List rising to the head of the Durban July betting, with Choisaanada entering the market at 16/1.
This year's Durban July was dealt a major blow at the second declaration stage, when leading older horses See It Again, Eight On Eighteen and defending champion The Real Prince were all scratched from the contest.
Now, just days before the race, the ante-post favourite has also been ruled out. Star Major's absence is a significant setback and will undoubtedly be felt in the build-up to Saturday's Durban July.
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