Skip to content

In pictures: The Durban July in South Africa

News imageAFP A women looks up at the clock during the 2018 edition of the Vodacom Durban July horse race in Durban, on July 7, 2018AFP
The race, now in its 122nd year, bills itself as Africa's greatest horseracing event

It is the highlight of the South African social calendar.

Every year, the Durban July horse race attracts thousands to the eastern city's Greyville Racecourse - although the horses are somewhat overshadowed by the extravagant outfits.

A favourite with celebrities and politicians alike, the challenge this year was to create a timeless fashion piece, and use the elements of a watch face to inspire outfits, to fit in with the theme "It Is Time".

You can judge how well they did in the pictures below:

News imageAFP Local fashionistas George Lambrou (L) and Goodness Anele (R) pose for a portrait during the 2018 edition of the Vodacom Durban July in Durban, on July 7, 2018.AFP
For people like local fashionistas George Lambrou (left) and Goodness Anele, the race was a chance to show off their individual style
News imageAFP Nozipho Zuma poses for a portrait during the 2018 edition of the Vodacom Durban July horse races in Durban, on July 7, 2018AFP
Nozipho Zuma donned an outfit inspired by Lindo Mathebula, who told IOL it was "time to go back to our African roots"
News imageAFP People cheer during the main race of the 2018 edition of the Vodacom Durban July horse race in Durban, on 7 July 2018.AFP
Other race-goers were pictured getting caught up in the excitement of the day
News imageAFP Mmamello Motloung and Zolani Mguzulwa pose for a portrait during the 2018 edition of the Vodacom Durban July horse races in Durban, on 7 July 2018AFP
Mmamello Motloung (right) and Zolani Mguzulwa told one reporter they believed it a time "for funky people"
News imageAFP South African fashion designer Mado Smaili poses for a portrait during the 2018 edition of the Vodacom Durban July horse races in Durban, on 7 July 2018.AFP
South African fashion designer Mado Smaili took the brief more literally
News imageAFP People watch the start of the 2018 editon of the Vodacom Durban July horse race in Durban, on 7 July 2018AFP
Some outfits may have been more understated, but no less elegant
News imageAFP Mike Wheeler (L) and Win Wheeler pose for a portrait during the 2018 edition of the Vodacom Durban July horse races in Durban, on 7 July 2018.AFP
Win Wheeler (right) also incorporated the theme into her hat - which was designed by her husband, Mike (left)
News imageAFP Mandla Mvubu poses for a portrait during the 2018 edition of the Vodacom Durban July horse races in Durban, on 7 July 2018.AFP
Mandla Mvubu, meanwhile, appears to have been inspired by royalty with his outfit
News imageAFP Jockey Anton Marcus rides Do it Again after winning the Vodacom Durban July horse race in Durban, on July 7, 2018AFP
Of course, there was also the racing. Jockey Anton Marcus, who won the Durban July on his horse Do it Again, bagging himself the $315,000 (£237,000) prize

All photos AFP