JULY TENT - SION MOUNTS

Let’s get the party started: preparations for the Vodacom Durban July are well under way, with marquees ready to be set up with decor and furnishings.

LIGHTS, camera, action at Greyville… a century ago.

It was 100 years ago that the Durban July was filmed for the first time, according to historical records.

“Cameramen were posted at the start and finish and as soon as the race was over the film was sent to Johannesburg studios to be processed in time for a special screening in the city that evening,” racing legend Ernie Duffield wrote in his book, The History of the Rothmans July Handicap.

“The perfect weather prevailing allowed the ‘bioscope operators’ to film a spectacular pictorial record of the event.”

The event took place during World War I when men in uniform were allowed in for free and often even transported to the course, according to another book, Riding the Wind –The Centenary History of the Durban Turf Club 1996.

“When a hospital ship called at the port, special arrangements were made for cars to bring the men from the Point and back and to supply them with refreshments on the course… all servicemen convalescing in Durban during the war were given free refreshments at the races.”

Durban museums had no knowledge of the 1917 film, which would have featured the horse Famous coming first.