Multiple champion jockey Anton Marcus is not a man to be run down easily but Joshwin Solomons, son of in-form Western Cape jockey Morne Winnaar, came from a long way back last Wednesday at Hollywoodbets Greyville on the Dennis Drier-trained Dune Dance to outpoint race favourite Captain Of Colour when the race looked all over.
It was Joshwin’s first winner and he hopes the start of many.
Joshwin Solomons – happy first winner Pic – (Candiese Lenferna)
His Dad Morne has enjoyed a terrific season in partnership with the Glen Kotzen yard and Joshwin hopes to follow in his footsteps.
“I am proud of what my Dad has achieved and the best was I can thank him for every opportunity he had given me is to do my best,” said Joshwin, who also grew up in the tough streets of Manenberg in Cape Town.
Slightly built like the old man, Joshwin was spotted by Western Cape Riding Master, Terrance Welch, when he attended a racemeeting with his Dad. Welch, himself a former jockey, told him that he should apply to join the SA Jockey Academy.
Joshwin attended and passed the Recruitment Assessments and Interview and started his jockey apprenticeship in January 2018.
A Manchester United supporter, he loves the great game and played for his school team as a midfielder.
“I am loving life at the Academy and learning lots of new things. But I especially love working with and riding horses every day,” he adds enthusiastically.
He asked us to record his gratitude to trainer Dennis Drier and his owners for the opportunity to ride his first win on Dune Dance.
“I don’t think I will ever forget the feeling on 6 November 2019. It’s a special day, but I now have to lift my game and find my next one,” he laughed.
On his short-term goals, Joshwin says he is looking forward to the upcoming December holidays.
“Durban is my second home but I miss my Mom and the whole family in Cape Town a lot.”
