This year’s Vodacom Durban July saw a startling crowd of 50 000 people attend the annual raceday affair and The Socialite was there to catch all the action. Check it out…

Outsider Heavy Metal, with jockey Smanga Khumalo on board, made it two-in-a-row for trainer Sean Tarry by winning the 2013 Vodacom Durban July at Greyville racecourse

The race was preceded by 67 seconds of silence in tribute to former president Nelson Mandela, before a stirring rendition of the national anthem by tenor Bongani Thembe. Khumalo’s win, the first for a black jockey, was an appropriate tribute to the ailing stateman.

Earlier in the day Durban’s fashionistas flocked to the city’s racecourse in the hope of catching the fashion competitions’ judges and leave their mark on the iconic event.

With the day’s theme of “Posh? Oh my Gosh!!” in mind, the Vodacom Durban July Raceday Fashion competition got underway with the Classic Racewear Male award being handed to Mthunzi Mthembu (MShade)’s design, modelled by Sphesile Mphande.

The women’s equivalent, Classic Racewear Female, award went to a thrilled Madeleine Clark for her gorgeous and classy garment, modelled by Amanda Strydom.

Zinhle Mgaga and Goodman Ngcobo, dressed by Bright Shadow, claimed the Kiss Most Striking Couple whilst the closely contested Exceptional Raceday Hat or Fascinator category was claimed by Zandile Masondo.

After months of hard work and preparation for the Vodacom Durban July Fashion Challenge, brought to you by Canon, Casey Jean walked away with the competition’s prestigious title whilst the Vodacom Durban July Young Designer Award, brought to you by Canon, saw Durban University of Technology student Danielle de Bruyn crowned victorious.

We were honoured to be hosted by Gentleman Jack and enjoyed a VVIP experience on the day at Miller Boomtown which saw a host of local artists perform along with local favourites.

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Check out some of our raceday fashion pics below as well as shots from the live performances…