Greentube marks landmark South African moment with Hollywoodbets Durban July sponsorship

Greentube has made its first foray into South African horse racing as sponsor at the Hollywoodbets Durban July, internationally acknowledged as Africa’s Greatest Horse Racing Event.

Greentube was the sponsor of Race 1 on the card at the 130th running of the prestigious meeting, held on July 4^th at Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse in Durban.

The activation also saw NOVOMATIC Africa front and centre, with its Managing Director, Alex Merwald, partnering with Greentube’s Sales and Key Account Manager, Razvan Glodea, to take the stage and present prizes to the winners, underscoring the close collaboration between the two parties.

The Greentube Class 4 opened proceedings on South Africa’s biggest race day, with hot favourite Sommerstern storming clear under jockey Callan Murray to give trainer Lucinda Woodruff an early winner in front of a sell-out Greyville crowd. The victory set the tone for a day that saw the Durban July itself run for a record R10 million purse, its largest prize fund since Hollywoodbets became title sponsor in 2020.

This year’s meeting, themed ‘Country Allure’, drew tens of thousands of racegoers to Greyville for what is widely billed as Africa’s biggest horse racing and social occasion, combining top-level thoroughbred competition with the bold fashion, music and spectacle the event has become known for across the continent.

Razvan Glodea, Sales and Key Account Manager at Greentube said: “Sponsoring the Hollywoodbets Durban July 2026 was a landmark moment for Greentube in South Africa. As our first horse racing sponsorship in the country, the event exceeded all expectations. It was an incredible occasion with an electric atmosphere and bold fashion that truly captured the spirit of South Africa.

“This experience has opened the door for Greentube to deepen our connection with local culture and the events that matter most to South African players. It’s exactly the kind of activation we want to continue building on as we grow our presence in the market.”

With the Durban July’s 130th edition now behind it, Greentube’s involvement marks the start of what the company hopes will be a longer-term presence at one of South Africa’s most-watched cultural events, as it continues to build its footprint in the market alongside NOVOMATIC Africa.