Massive entry list to peruse ahead of July

There's little in the sporting world to beat horse racing for its mix of thrills, colour, spectacle, prestige and glamour. That's why so many people love a day at the races.

- Mike Moon

Witness this week's Royal Ascot, a gathering of turf's elite that dazzled television viewers.

If you can hob-nob among the great and the good in the pre-race parade ring, it's even more special.

So, it's no surprise to see long lists of entries for the supporting races on Hollywoodbets Durban July day, Africa's greatest annual racing event which will be staged at Greyville in two weeks' time.

Arguments about - and betting on the Durban July itself has been rumbling on for months, but now some attention is turning to the rest of the day's card.

Early entries for the full meeting were published this week and the heft of hope and aspiration became clear.

About 400 entries were received for the 11 races outside the July, but only just over a quarter of these will crack the nod for the final line-ups.

There are, of course, a few duplications as owners and trainers maximise their chances of making it onto the programme and into that parade ring.