Champions Season Kicks Off in Style with a FREE Family Day at Hollywoodbets Greyville

The highly anticipated Champions Season bursts into action on Saturday, 11 April at Hollywoodbets Greyville, setting the tone for South Africa’s premier racing calendar with a vibrant day of top-class racing, entertainment, and family-friendly fun — all completely FREE to attend.

Gates open at 10:00am, inviting racegoers, families, and first-time visitors alike to experience the thrill of the sport in an accessible and festive environment.

At the heart of the day’s racing programme is the Race Coast Sales Big Cap, a R5 million feature that continues to grow in stature following its successful debut and is fast establishing itself as one of the most innovative contests in South African racing.

Run over 1400m, the Big Cap brings together an elite mix of top-class horses and influential slot holders, where strategy and strength play an equally decisive role. The 2025 debut delivered a high-quality and competitive spectacle, showcasing the tactical depth of the slot race concept and setting a strong benchmark for the future.

That foundation adds an extra layer of intrigue to the 2026 renewal, with connections returning more experienced and strategically aware. The contest features a compelling clash of power and depth, headlined by the highest-rated runner in the field, alongside formidable operations such as Snaith Racing. Key slot holders including the Wernars Family, Rikesh Sewgoolam, Ralphs Racing and Peter Moor add further competitiveness, underlining the race’s growing industry significance.

With a substantial stake on offer, R5 million in total, including R3 million to the winner, and increasing attention from across the sport, this is no ordinary race and continues to attract serious investment and participation.

Adding to the excitement is the Race Coast Sales Slipper, a standout juvenile contest run over 1200m with a lucrative R3 million incentive. Together, the Big Cap (R5 million) and Slipper (R3 million) offer a combined R8 million in feature race prize money on the day. Positioned at a key point in the season and staged in KwaZulu-Natal, the Slipper has become increasingly competitive, with top juveniles lining up to contest the rich prize.

The combination of timing, location, and significant stakes ensures that owners and trainers target the race early, aiming to secure a share of the substantial purse. With each running, the quality and depth of the field continues to improve, offering racing fans a glimpse of the next generation of stars.

Beyond the track, the day promises a lively social atmosphere with a mix of entertainment, activations, and relaxed outdoor enjoyment. Whether you’re a seasoned racing enthusiast or simply looking for a great day out in Durban, the opening event delivers something for everyone.

“Champions Season is about more than just elite racing — it’s about creating an inclusive, energetic experience that brings people together,” said Race Coast KZN Acting COO, Dean Sawarjith. “Starting the season with a free, open-to-all event at Hollywoodbets Greyville reflects that spirit perfectly.”

With warm autumn weather, world-class racing, and a welcoming environment, 11 April is set to be the perfect introduction to the excitement of Champions Season.

The Oceans 8 Charity Swim returns to Vetch’s Beach at the Durban Undersea Club on 23rd & 24th (25th ) May 2026, bringing together swimmers, supporters, partners and 14 beneficiary charities for a two-day ocean event rooted in community and shared impact.

Founded by charities, for charities, Oceans 8 was created with a simple but ambitious vision: to unite people through a shared love of swimming while raising funds for non-profit organisations with a footprint in KZN. Since its inception, the event has raised over R3million, directly supporting 23 charities and the communities they serve.

“Oceans 8 is about shared purpose and the belief that when we come together, we can strengthen the work already happening in our communities,” says Nicci Carvalho, event spokesperson. “It’s ordinary people doing something challenging and creating lasting impact.”

What to Expect in 2026

This year’s event continues that mission – bringing together swimmers of all abilities across the 1-, 4-, 8- and 16-mile distances to use their sport to make a difference.

Durban’s mild winter conditions and the protected waters of Vetch’s Beach offer a rewarding ocean experience for seasoned open-water swimmers, while remaining accessible to those stepping into open water swimming for the first time.

The 1- and 4-mile swims support the event’s 10 invitational charities, with funds raised shared equally among them. Swimmers taking on the 8- and 16-mile challenges direct their fundraising towards one of Oceans 8’s four founding charities. Schools once again form an important part of the weekend, with interschools’ participation encouraging learners to raise funds, earn community service hours and represent their schools in the 1-mile swim. Trophies are up for grabs!

The event remains proudly volunteer-run, supported by a committed local network of businesses, safety teams and community partners who help bring the weekend together. Returning sponsors Arena SA, Stanley, IPSS Medical Services and ALU Direct continue to stand alongside Oceans 8, sharing a belief in building something sustainable for the charities and the communities they serve.

Environmental responsibility is also central to the event’s planning. Oceans 8 minimises single-use plastics, prioritises recycled materials, and collaborates with partners who align with its sustainability values – recognising that caring for the coastline is inseparable from swimming in it.

As Oceans 8 continues to grow nationwide, entries are open to swim with purpose and join a community committed to turning personal challenge into meaningful impact.

Oceans 8 Charity Swim 2026 Events

• 1 Mile Event:
  Choose one of 4 events on Day 1 or Day 2.
  Cost: R200 per person + minimum R800 raised for invitational charities.
• 4 Mile Event:
  Swim 2 miles on Day 1 and 2 miles on Day 2.
  Cost: R700 per person + minimum R3 000 raised for invitational charities.
• 8 Mile Event:
  Swim 4 miles on Day 1 and 4 miles on Day 2.
  Cost: R1 100 per person + minimum R5,000 to be raised via Given Gain for one of the four founding charities.
• 16 Mile Event:
  Swim 8 miles on Day 1 and 8 miles on Day 2.
  Swimmers will swim the 1 Mile course twice during each event.
  Cost: R1 100 per person + minimum R5,000 to be raised via Given Gain for one of the four founding charities.

For more information or partnership enquiries, visit www.oceans8swim.co.za
Keep updated on all the action by following @oceans8_charityswim on Instagram and @oceans8swim on Facebook.

8- and 16-mile charities supported by the Oceans 8 Charity Swim 2026:

• Duzi-Umngeni Conservation Trust
• National Sea Rescue Institute
• Project Rhino
• Singakwenza Early Childhood Education

1- and 4-mile charities supported by the Oceans 8 Charity Swim 2026:

• CROW (Centre for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife)
• Game Rangers’ Association of South Africa
• IPSS Search and Rescue
• Makabongwe Pre-School
• Made for More
• Nazareth House in Berea
• Pietermaritzburg Children’s Home
• Rise Against Hunger Africa
• Sport for Lives
• Umduduzi – Hospice Care for Children

DURBS…YOUR NIGHT YOUR PLAYOFF

Durban, are you ready? Qualifier 1 is rolling into Kingsmead on 21 January, and history is about to be made. For the very first time, the Betway SA20 Playoffs are lighting up your city, with the top two teams going head-to-head in a high-stakes showdown under the lights. It’s a clash between the top South African and International T20 stars, a shot at an automatic place in the Final, and a night where every ball counts, because while one team books their ticket straight through, the other lives to fight another day. This is playoff cricket, Durban-style, and the stands won’t be the same without you. Here is everything turning Kingsmead into the most exciting entertainment hub on the coast this festive season.

Pre-match magic:

● From 14:30 – 15:30, kids can play cricket on the field. Please bring your own bat and soft ball (weather dependent).

● Glitter makeup artists, mirror men, human statues, Disney Mascots, K-POP characters, mime artists, and stilt walkers will light up the concourse.

● Bucket hat giveaways, and SA20 League and Team merchandise will be available for sale.

● Get ready to pose: grab a pic with the trophy (14h30 – 16h45) or take your place on the King Price throne for an epic shot.

● Kids’ Corner: Selfie frames, colouring in activities and Pick-and-Win cards with cool SA20 prizes.

Incredible fan experiences:

● Take a Betway Catch R2 million one-handed catch, win up to R200K on the spot with Absa, and 5K from Switch.

● Partner activations and giveaways on the concourse.

● Switch Innings Break School War Cry.

● Entertainment on the loop stage, brought to you by rain: DJs, Crowd Karaoke and more.

● As well as all the big screen activations you know and love: Dance Cam, K-POP Cam, Kiss Cam, Face Filters, Kids Cam, Bucket Hat Shuffle & Win.

● Plus Pyro, Fireworks and Dancers.

● Kids’ player signing sessions with both teams post-match.

Premium Seating Options

Sips & Sixes Terrace – Shaded area in Mynahs Level 2. Exclusive perks, incl. a limited-edition merchandise gift. Serviced by dedicated food & beverage concessions. Tickets available online here.

Legends Lounge at Kings Club – Kick back with SA sporting legends, great views, buffet dining and bar service in SA20’s premium hospitality offering. Tickets available online here.

VIP Hospitality Packages – Whether you’re hosting clients or celebrating with friends, or treating family, our hospitality experiences put you right at the heart of the action. View Playoff Hospitality Packages here.

Put Your Hands Up + Spotify Playlist

Fans can join the stadium-wide #PutYourHandsUp celebration and stream the official Betway SA20 Spotify playlist, packed with stadium anthems, fan favourites and feel-good summer tracks.

Game Day Planning

Plan your matchday with ease, find all parking, access, transport and spectator planning details ahead of time at the official Kingsmead Spectator Info page here.

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