Track Description

Greyville Racecourse is home to Africa's Greatest Horseracing Event, the Vodacom Durban July, run over 2 200 metres. It is also home to South Africa's most prestigious staying race, the Ladbrokes Gold Cup, the Daily News 2000 and also the Betting World 1900, the last two very important pointers to the Vodacom Durban July.


A pear-shaped, right-handed track with a circumference of 2 800 metres, Greyville has a run-in of 500 metres and no straight for sprints.

Unusual features are the golf course in the centre of the track, the Drill Hall which obscures the 1600 metre start and two subways. The construction of these subways resulted in the course having an uphill section from the 2 400 metre post up to the 1 800 metre position, thereafter a gentle downward slope for about 800 metres, followed by an uphill section from the 1000 metre mark into the straight.

Horses racing handy frequently do well at Greyville, and many a front runner has stolen a march on the opposition, especially when there is a strong south-westerly tail wind. Horses which race from off the pace also do well at Greyville, but ability to quicken is essential in such cases.
Inside draws are generally favoured over most distances up to 1 900 metres, but more so over 1 600 metres as the start is effected right on the top bend. The effort of overcoming a wide draw can be negated to some extent by the siting of the false rail, which enables the field to fan out, thereby obtaining a clear run to the winning post.