Dean Kannemeyer’s master plan steered The Real Prince to stunning Durban July victory

In a thrilling display befitting his majestic name, The Real Prince captured the crown at the 129th running of the Hollywoodbets Durban July on Saturday at Greyville.

The 18/1 shot delivered a performance that will be remembered for years to come and propelled master trainer Dean Kannemeyer to his fourth victory in South Africa’s premier horse race. In front of an electric crowd at Greyville, the son of Gimmethegreenlight edged out race favourite Eight On Eighteen in a heart-stopping finish.

After the race, Kannemeyer reflected on the strategy with a flicker of pride. “You must come in at the right time with the right weight and the right draw — and we nailed it. This was always the plan.”

With a precisely executed strategy, The Real Prince surged ahead when it mattered most, overcoming a late charge from Eight On Eighteen to clinch the title. The finish left the crowd on the edge of their seats.

The runner-up, trained by Justin Snaith, showcased fierce determination despite the narrow loss. A three-time Grade 1 winner, Eight On Eighteen had hoped to become the first three-year-old to win both the WSB Cape Met and the Durban July in the same season.

Only five horses have achieved this prestigious double: Kommetdieding (2022), Igugu (2012), Pocket Power (2009), London News (1997), and Politician (1979).

Winning jockey Craig Zackey was beaming as he reflected on his maiden Durban July triumph.

“It’s incredible,” he exclaimed, giving credit to The Real Prince’s class.

“I think if he had one run in between, he would have won a bit more comfortably, but there were no races that suited him, and we couldn’t afford the penalty.”

There had been concerns that The Real Prince might be under-raced for Saturday’s showpiece, but strategic preparation proved key.

“Where were we going to place him?

"The first time we tried him over a mile, he won by six lengths. Great run in the Drill Hall,” Kannemeyer added.

“If we ran him in the Gold Challenge and he came fourth, the handicapper is going to be looking for you. You must come in at the right time with the right weight — and we got the right draw.”

Zackey, who had full confidence in his mount, said: “I knew he was the best horse in the race, and if he stayed, he’d be hard to beat.”

That belief proved justified as The Real Prince held off his rivals in the final strides.

As The Real Prince basked in the limelight following his famous victory, the moment marked not only a personal triumph for rider and trainer but also a memorable new chapter in the rich narrative of South African horse racing.

With the crowd erupting in celebration, the echoes of this day at Greyville will resonate for weeks and months to come. The bond between horse, trainer, and jockey proved powerful enough to conquer Durban’s hallowed turf.