In this second of our new series on jockey sponsors, we tell how Cape-based racing photographer Chase Liebenberg has joined forces with award-winning apprentice Joshwin Solomons.
Joshwin, son of the established lightweight rider Morne Winnaar, was crowned Cape Jockey of The Year at the recent Cape Racing Awards.
Joshwin Solomons in the famous Shirtliff flag (Pic- Chase Liebenberg)
Hailing from a racing family, that includes former amateur jockey and assistant trainer Wendy Michel, as well as sister Genevieve, who was a groundbreaker in the female riding ranks in SA, the 26 year old Chase is a familiar face on Western Cape racetracks, doing his rounds of the training grounds and sales around the country, producing top quality and emotionally captivating images.
In 2018 he decided to take the leap and begin freelancing.
“I love what I do when it comes to racing photography, with a variety of clients, both local and foreign, in many sectors of the game. They all love their horses and that is key for me to produce the work I do,” he told the Sporting Post.
Joshwin grew up on the mean streets of Manenberg and Chase says that the sponsorship provides him with an opportunity to kickstart the career of somebody who didn’t have the same opportunities he had.
“He is a well-rounded individual with tons of ability and a balanced rider. For someone who is still so young and wet behind the ears, he has the ability to follow instructions to the letter.”
Joshwin with riding master, Terrance Welch (Pic- Chase Liebenberg)
It’s been a flying start for the partnership and in double quick time Joshwin has racked up three wins under the Chase Liebenberg Photography branding.
While Covid-19 has impacted upon Chase’s business like the rest of the world, he is happy to be up and running again.
“It drastically affected me, not being allowed back on the course to work with the recommencement of racing earlier this year. I didn’t enjoy the fact that I could not be there for my clients. Luckily this has changed and we are working again!” he concluded.
We will be running a weekly profile of jockey sponsors. If you would like to tell us about your brand, or are in a position to offer a sponsorship, please drop us a line at [email protected]
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