DURBAN, South Africa — The 130th running of the Durban July horse races took place Saturday in Durban, showcasing not only the sport but also the growing presence and affluence of South Africa’s Black middle and upper classes. Once excluded from such elite events during apartheid, Black South Africans increasingly claim a prominent place at this iconic gathering, which has become a high-profile celebration of fashion, music, and social status.

Held at a sprawling racecourse along the country’s south coast, the Durban July is Africa’s most lucrative horse racing event. This year’s gathering featured hundreds of well-heeled guests dressed to the theme of “country allure,” as musical performances, gourmet food, and luxury hospitality marquees created an atmosphere of opulence. Many attendees viewed the event as a momentary escape from the persistent economic and social challenges facing much of the nation.

Among the guests was Ashwin Reynolds, a 52-year-old construction company owner who recalled growing up recording bets for his grandfather. “Until the early 1990s dismantling of apartheid, people of color like me were barred from such spaces,” he said. In 2021, Reynolds became the first person of color to own the winning horse, marking a milestone in the event’s evolving social dynamic.

Historically, apartheid-era rules segregated spectators by race during the Durban July. Nonwhite attendees were confined to a small section known as the silver ring, while white spectators occupied the coveted gold ring near the finish line, according to Anita Akal, an 83-year-old photographer who has covered the event for over five decades. Although some mingling occurred, the segregation reflected the broader restrictions of apartheid society.

Today, the event’s layout largely reflects a new social order. The grandstands, where tickets cost about $18, attract many South Africans of Indian descent who are passionate about horse racing. Behind the grandstands, inside the ring where horses parade, white attendees—who still own most of the horses—are a majority. In contrast, the VIP hospitality areas in the infield tend to draw predominantly Black guests, including entrepreneurs, artists, and political figures using the occasion to network.

Television producer Teddy Geldart, 40, described the Durban July as “no longer just a white man’s event” but “ours,” reflecting a broader shift in South African society’s access to luxury and prestige. The event prompts attendees, regardless of background, to set aside everyday tensions for a day of celebration. “It’s an event that everybody leaves everything behind for this day—the racial tension, the bickering,” said Vishal Ramlakan, a local trucking worker attending for the third time.

Despite increased Black attendance, some insiders note that participation in horse racing itself remains limited. Jockey Muzi Yeni, 39, one of few Black riders in the sport with 22 years’ experience, emphasized the slow pace of diversification among jockeys and trainers. Since only a handful of Black jockeys have won the main race, Mr. Yeni expressed hope that his presence might inspire others to pursue the sport professionally. He finished seventh in Saturday’s race.

The event also drew spectators like Doris Mataboge, a 55-year-old nursing educator who developed an early appreciation for horses in rural South Africa. For the first time, she placed a winning bet, turning a modest stake into nearly $10.

For emerging talents like model Karabo Bapela, 18, the Durban July represents more than entertainment. “It’s very freeing to be able to do this,” she said, reflecting on the event’s role in affirming social progress since the days when her grandmothers were restricted from public spaces and mingling across racial lines.

As the Durban July continues to evolve, it remains both a celebration of tradition and a symbol of South Africa’s ongoing transformations in race, class, and culture.