Home » Profiles » Excited Rachel Set To Make History

Excited Rachel Set To Make History

21 year old's massive opportunity

SA Champion apprentice elect Rachel Venniker makes Hollywoodbets Durban July history in the 126th renewal of the premier race on 2 July when she becomes the first female jockey to ride in the 2200m contest of champions.

Following hot on the heels of the announcement that our 56 year old multiple champion Piere Strydom makes a comeback in the R5 million event to ride Belgarion, the news that the pretty 21 year old rookie will jump a couple of gates to his inside on SA Classic winner Red Saxon in her personal first full season as a professional, is the stuff of media manna for the first-time sponsors of a race that has captivated the public imagination over the decades like no other.

Getting mud in the face – just another day at work for Rachel Venniker! (Pic – Candiese Lenferna)

It is ironic in many ways that a showjumping fanatic, vegetarian and hobby artist, who had to break down walls to get an opportunity to ride professionally, now finds herself with a Gr1 winning mount in Africa’s greatest horserace, in what is her first professional opportunity to do so.

A year ago, Rachel, a member of Generation Z, was still riding in qualifying races down the Hollywoodbets Scottsville straight. All races at Hollywoodbets Greyville are run around the turn – and she needed to earn her stripes first.

Talking to the Sporting Post after the announcement of the final field at the Hollywoodbets headquarters in Umhlanga on Tuesday, Rachel was clearly over the moon.

“I am so very excited! This is such an honour and a privilege. I cannot thank Mr Joey Soma and the owners enough. Some guys wait years and years for an opportunity like this. Here I am as a newbie, and I get the call-up. It feels surreal!”

Rachel, who hails from a dynasty of showjumping champions headed by her Dad Brett and has been riding since the age of 4, competed in the show arena, and rode work on racehorses from the age of 14.

She is loathe to harp on the past and the obstacles she faced to realise her dream. But her reference to surreal is squarely appropriate given the fact that she was still riding in workrider events in 2021!

After a meeting with her parents, the respected veterans Michael Roberts, Garth Puller and Kevin Wright made a presentation to the riding masters of the SA Jockey Academy, who had rejected her previous applications.

“All’s well that ends well. And sometimes the doors that slammed shut and the challenges in life build character. This career didn’t land in my lap. So I value my every day experience twice as much, and am more determined than ever to succeed.”

Now sponsored by Jonsson Workwear, things really are looking up for Rachel, who only enjoyed her maiden Grade 1 race experience just weeks ago. She rode Crown Towers in her sponsor’s silks in the Hollywoodbets Gold Challenge on 11 June.

A chance meeting with veteran trainer Joey Soma at Summerveld, led to her doing a bit of work on Red Saxon.

Rachel and Red Saxon at the official public gallops on Thursday morning (Pic – Candiese Lenferna)

 

“Mr Soma only asked me the other day whether I was engaged to ride in the Hollywoodbets Durban July. I didn’t exactly have a choice of 5 rides, so I said no. Next I got the call that I was riding Red Saxon. I had to pinch myself. He’s a lovely horse too. I can’t wait for 2 July!”

An astute veteran conditioner, Joey Soma explained that Red Saxon’s regular rider Julius Mariba had done nothing wrong, but that they wanted a rider that knew Hollywoodbets Greyville well – Rachel was that person.

Interestingly, Red Saxon has been declared plus a half kilo in the Hollywoodbets Durban July.

“Apprentices are restricted to ride at certain weights. We are also monitored and weighed regularly. We met with the Stipes who said that if I was to ride Red Saxon, who was allotted 53kgs, I would have to do so at plus 0,5kg. I have no doubt that given the time to the race, that I could have comfortably done the 53kgs. But rules and procedures are in place and we have to respect them. Thankfully Mr Soma was happy with that arrangement, so it’s all systems go!”

Red Saxon, who will jump from a 14 draw, is currently priced at 50-1 on the Hollywoodbets Durban July betting boards.  When he won the Gr1 SA Classic back in April, he was Joey Soma’s third success in that race in six renewals. Bred by Narrow Creek Stud, he is the first offspring of Birch Bros Western Winter stallion Red Ray to start in the Hollywoodbets Durban July. He is also Red Ray’s maiden Gr1 winner.

A son of triple SA Champion Sire Western Winter, the very fast Red Ray, who was trained by the charismatic Joey Ramsden, won or placed in 13 of 16 outings while racing in South Africa and Dubai. He scored his biggest win when running out an easy winner of the 2016 Gr1 Mercury Sprint – also run at Hollywoodbets Greyville.

Red Saxon gets his ground legs from his Casey Tibbs three-time winning dam Rodeo Sioux, who, like his granddam Dancing Sioux, was also trained by Joey Soma and won to 2600m. So it’s quite a family affair!

Have Your Say - *Please Use Your Name & Surname*

Comments Policy
The Sporting Post encourages readers to comment in the spirit of enlightening the topic being discussed, to add opinions or correct errors. All posts are accepted on the condition that the Sporting Post can at any time alter, correct or remove comments, either partially or entirely.

All posters are required to post under their actual name and surname - no anonymous posts or use of pseudonyms will be accepted. You can adjust your display name on your account page or to send corrections privately to the Editor. The Sporting Post will not publish comments submitted anonymously or under pseudonyms.

Please note that the views that are published are not necessarily those of the Sporting Post.

4 comments on “Excited Rachel Set To Make History

  1. Cecil Pienaar says:

    Wow, lucky girl, but really happy for Rachel. Well done, parents must be very proud. To Joe Soma, good man, she’ll definitely give your horse every (outside place) chance. But Rachel, like the rest will be chasing the Filly Sparkling Water home ..

    Ook baie Bly Vir Oom Piere, Welkom terug in HWBets Durbs

  2. Elmore Van rensburg says:

    Pomp and power then Hoedspruit

  3. Martin le Roux says:

    What a gent Joey Soma. Not my July bet but will have a each way. Joey should be in the Hall of Fame.

  4. Theodore John Roelofsz says:

    Goes to show and PROVES…hard work and unlimited enthusiasm PAYS…Reminds me of the caliber, guts, keen-ness of one young Marty Schoeman before his glory days when hail, rain, sleet and the like were NO deterrents to the loveable guy…
    Damn you….James Dean…

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

‹ Previous

Kelly – SA’s Newest Racehorse Trainer

Next ›

Fourie Aims For 10 Gr1’s

Recent Profiles

After Sunday, Kundanika’s ‘Hooked For Life’!

A rare Dad-Daughter owners' moment

Frikkie’s World Of Experience

In The Box Seat - Frikkie Greyling

Juanita’s Big In Africa – And Big In Japan!

Changing lives and making a difference for Work Riders

Mauritian Rider’s Unique Journey

Challenges and adjustments the order of the day

Durban July Victory Was Alec’s Highlight

Alec shares his thoughts on the current TCO2 issues

Britney Excited About New Hong Kong Season

New season starts on Sunday 8 September

Damyan Grabs His First Winner In Style

Sunday 1 September will always be special for the Pillays

Philile Zuma Is Blazing New Trails

Far End Farm's new dynamo

Muzi – Always A Factor In A Finish

A true competitor - Muzi is 1 behind Sean Veale

SA Champ Visits Australia

SA star keeps his eye in ahead of Hong Kong season

Jacey’s First Winner Joy

A promising youngster with a good seat

Opportunity Knocks – Cape Caller Heads To Malaysia

23 year old intends to make the most of it!

KZN’s Voice Of The People

The rush and roar remains unforgettable

Dawn Newman – A Household Name

Ticking all the boxes

Sean Veale Rides Under SP Banner

Welcome to the team

Chad Set For Singapore

Fifth one-day visit at Kranji