Trainer Joey Soma has a big decision to make after Rachel Venniker’s sad fall at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Monday ruled her out of making history on Gr1 winner Red Saxon in the Hollywoodbets Durban July on Saturday.
Joey Soma and Hollywoodbets Durban July hopeful Red Saxon – big decision pending regarding a replacement rider (Pic – Chase Liebenberg)
In a devastating turn of bad luck, Miss Venniker’s golden opportunity to become the first female to ride in the Hollywoodbets Durban July was dashed after a freak incident at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Monday sees her out for 10 to 14 days with concussion and whiplash.
Read our newsflash of earlier about Rachel’s fall
“I am so sad and sorry for Rachel. She is such a professional and I know that she was proud and excited to have her first Durban July ride and make history,” Joey Soma told the Sporting Post, confirming that he had been inundated with calls since the
“Please allow me to reassure the public that I will always make the decision to select a replacement rider in the best interests of the horse. We are considering our options and will sleep on the curved ball and make a decision in the morning. These things happen in racing. But for for now we wish Rachel a speedy recovery and thank her for all her hard work,” added the veteran Gr1 conditioner.
While a decision was made to utilise Rachel Venniker ahead of regular rider Julius Mariba in view of her local track experience, there are 18 jockeys (including apprentices) carded to ride at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Saturday that can make the 53,5kgs. Rachel was allotted plus half due to her restricted minimum riding weight.
Either way, it’s a big decision for the connections in a rough race that draws on every inch of a jockey’s horsemanship, guile and experience.
We will hear in the morning.
