Sangoma picks Durban July winners

Durban - Local sangoma Makhosonke Msoni has made his pick for the winner of the Vodacom Durban July at the pre-event gallops on Thursday morning. 

The winter chills didn’t stop enthusiastic punters from cheering on the eager horses with Msoni, after a lengthy pull of his imphephu smoke, predicting that Wylie Hall would win the main race, with Futura coming in second and French Navy placing third.

The annual gallops are popular among trainers, connections and hardened punters who view it as one of the final opportunities to sniff out a potential July winner.

"The traditional public gallops are a known condition of entry for the country's greatest horse race and help crowds decide who to pin their winning hopes on for the R3.5m Vodacom Durban July," the organisers said in a statement.

"Visitors also got a taste of race day fashion as glamorous models showcased intricate outfits from Invited Designers and Young Designer and Fashion Challenge finalists.

"Invited designers Brenda Quin and Terrence Bray made the festive event too, looking on from the field with a cup of steaming coffee and delicious sticky bun in hand that was offered free to the crowd," the statement said.