Promising multiple Champion Apprentice Joshwin Solomons has returned to Cape Town after an experience and confidence building two year stint on the Highveld.
The Chase Liebenberg Photography-sponsored Joshwin Solomons (Pic – Chase Liebenberg)
Probably best remembered for his cucumber cool ride on the then still relatively unknown Captain’s Ransom to win the 2020 Gr3 Diana Stakes on the subsequent SA Horse Of The Year, who was having just her fourth start, the 21 year old son of jockey Morne Winnaar has shown top-class ability.
He marked his maiden Graded race success that happy October day at Hollywoodbets Durbanville, as well as bringing up his 20th career winner. The previous month he rode his first treble, for the Snaith Racing team.
He told the Sporting Post that he was looking forward to the challenges in the newly invigorated racing jurisdiction in his hometown, and also to building on his career tally of 78 winners.
Josh suffered a broken ankle in 2020 which set his championship aspirations back and had a late start last term as a result of having a plate removed from his ankle.
Western Cape champion apprentice two seasons in a row, he is sponsored by leading Cape racing photographer Chase Liebenberg.
“I think the Cape is going through an exciting phase and I’m fortunate to stand in my boots at 46kgs. There may be more opportunities for lightweight riders here and I will be working hard and riding plenty of work. I am not attached to any stable as yet,” he said.
He confirmed that he will be residing with well-known horsewoman Wendy Michel, an accomplished former amateur jockey and assistant trainer. Just as Gwen Heyns played ‘Mom’ to a generation of apprentice riders in years gone by, Wendy, whose daughter Genevieve Michel was a leading jockey, will be keeping a watchful and guiding eye on the promising Joshua.
He takes two rides at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on Wednesday 19 October.
