THE Royal count down has started and the public gallops will be your last chance to see your big race fancies in action before they step out at Greyville Racecourse on Saturday, July 2, to contest Africa’s Greatest Horseracing event, the R3-million, Grade 1 Vodacom Durban July.

That will be at Greyville Racecourse this Thursday morning from 7am when they take part in the annual “July Gallops”, a tradition that has, apart for a few years, been a popular part of the build-up to this famous race for decades.

All the big race candidates based in the Durban area must appear at the gallops while those based in Gauteng will have completed timed gallops in their home region – these gallops to be televised at Greyville on completion of the official gallops in Durban.

A Sangoma will be in attendance at the racecourse to read the bones after the gallops and this will be followed by a panel discussion at 9.15am featuring Gold Circle’s COO Graeme Hawkins, trainer and TellyTrack presenter Paul Lafferty, former July winning jockey and now trainer Garth Puller and the globe-trotting, humorous and outspoken king of the saddle, Kevin Shea.

For the ladies who have not yet decided on their “Royal Attire” for the big day, fashion will also play a part in the gallops so for inspiration pop down and soak up the glamour.

As always, the traditional free sticky buns and coffee will be available and a special gallops breakfast, at a cost of R50, will be available from 6.30am to 9am in the Durban View Room.  For reservations contact Gail on 0313141780. – Gold Circle.