For Brisbane-based Zimbabwean jockey Mark du Plessis, this year's Hollywoodbets Durban July is more than just another Group 1 assignment. It is the fulfilment of a dream that has travelled with him for decades, from the apprentice ranks in Zimbabwe to racecourses across the globe.

Du Plessis will partner Peter Muscutt-trained I Salute You in South Africa's greatest horse race, a ride that carries far more significance than simply competing on the country's biggest stage.

"Coming to South Africa to ride in any Group 1 race is always special. I am chasing my 20th career Group 1 win, so to be given a chance to hopefully win one in South Africa would be even more special."

The story behind the booking is one rooted in friendship, loyalty and a promise made many years ago.

Du Plessis and Muscutt first crossed paths in Zimbabwe when the latter returned home to take over the family stable following the passing of his brother, Paul Muscutt.

"I had just qualified from my apprenticeship and struck up a great relationship with Pete."

That friendship has stood the test of time, surviving career moves, international travel and the passage of years. Yet throughout it all, Muscutt never forgot one of the young jockey's biggest ambitions.

"Pete has always known that one of my dreams from when I was an apprentice was simply to ride in the July. He always said that if he found the horse for me, he'd let me know. To have a ride for him is a real privilege."

Now that promise has become reality.

With Muscutt expected to saddle two runners in the July, the opportunity finally presented itself.

"The ride came about, I suppose, when Pete knew he had a great chance of having two runners."

The journey to this moment has been anything but ordinary.

Raised in Zimbabwe, Du Plessis entered racing with little family background in the sport. Instead, it was determination, support from those around him and a willingness to chase opportunities that paved the way to an international career.

His move to New Zealand came through the late Tony Riley, who connected him with respected horseman Russell Warwick.

"Tony had a contact in New Zealand that he previously bought yearlings from and put me in touch. Russell Warwick has become another very influential person in my career and very much a mentor for me."

Before New Zealand, however, there were important figures who shaped his early years in Zimbabwe.

"My parents and my sister were always behind me and supporting me. Having never been in the industry, this was all very new to us."

Among the racing influences that helped mould his career, Du Plessis speaks fondly of former champion jockey Ivan Moore, to whom he was apprenticed.

"Being a former champion jockey himself was key for me as I had never ridden before. The whole Moore family treated me like another member of theirs."

He also remembers Noel Riddle, a respected figure who looked after young apprentices during their formative years.

Today, Du Plessis boasts a résumé that few jockeys can match. He has ridden more than 100 Group and Listed winners, including 19 victories at the highest level.

Among his greatest triumphs are Zirna's Singapore Gold Cup victory and Green Birdie's KrisFlyer International Sprint success, both landmark achievements in Singapore.

Yet some of his proudest memories have come away from the winner's enclosure.

"I've been fortunate enough to ride in 11 different countries. One of my highlights was meeting the Queen in Singapore on her raceday in 2006."

Now another memorable chapter awaits.

When the field jumps in the Durban July, Du Plessis will not only be chasing a milestone 20th Group 1 victory. He will be living out a dream first shared with a friend in Zimbabwe many years ago.

For one of racing's true globe-trotters, the road to Greyville has been long, but the destination could not be more fitting.

Should I Salute You deliver on the biggest stage of all, it would be the culmination of a journey that began in Zimbabwe and came full circle through friendship, faith and a promise kept.