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S.Africa glitterati cut a dash at Durban races

The biggest event in South Africa's social calendar -- the annual Durban July horse race -- took place on Saturday with many race goers donning extravagant outfits that mixed high fashion with traditional African dress. Held on the first Saturday of July at the city's Greyville racecourse, the 2018 edition had a horology theme that saw revellers incorporate timepiece designs into their outfits. On the track, meanwhile, all eyes were on jockey Anton Marcus who won the main $315,000 (268,000 euros) Vodacom Durban July race on his horse "Do it Again". "It's the second time I'm here. I backed number nine in the ninth race," said Dorine Mokoena, 59, who wore a bright yellow ensemble dotted with flowers. The event is a favourite of South African politicians including President Cyril Ramaphosa who had been due to attend for the first time as president. He failed to make it, however, after holding crunch talks with the King of the region's Zulu nation, Goodwill Zwelithini. Former president Jacob Zuma, who is Zulu and comes from the KwaZulu-Natal region where Durban is the largest city, was a regular at the Durban July meeting as head of state. He was unable to attend this year because of the funeral of his son Vusi. Mandla Mvubu poses for a portrait during the 2018 edition of the Vodacom Durban July horse races in Durban Winning jockey Anton Marcus and his horse "Do it Again" The Durban event is a favourite of South African politicians including President Cyril Ramaphosa who had been due to attend for the first time as president Stylish racegoers Mike and Win Wheeler don their finery for the Durban July Nozipho Zuma wore an eye-catching outfit that mixed traditional African design with high fashion