Hollywoodbets Durban July to host first ever woman jockey in SA, Rachel Venniker
This year's Hollywoodbets Durban July is a first for this incredible female jockey.
This year, Hollywoodbets Durban July promises to be an event like no other. Making her debut in the horse-racing event is Rachel Venniker, who is set to become the first ever female jockey in the history of the national showpiece.
Read more: Venniker to make Hollywoodbets Durban July history
The 20-year-old hails from Summerveld and has been riding horses since the age of four.
The Hollywoodbets Durban July will be Venniker’s second Grade 1 race.
"Every jockey’s dream is to ride in the July and to have a chance to win. However for me personally, to be the first woman to ever participate in the competition, it's really an incredible opportunity. With that being said, I’m very excited", said an overjoyed Venniker.
Venniker will be riding Red Saxon, for trainer Joe Soma, on 2 July 2022.
Read: Kommetdieding heads up Hollywoodbets Durban July first entries
SHe is a second-year apprentice at the South African Jockey Academy. It is the only institution in the country that offers an academic and practical apprentice programme for aspirant professional jockeys.
The young horse-rider is also the only female apprentice jockey at the academy, so she is definitely not at all intimidated by any male competitors.
Good luck, Rachel - you've got this!
