KZN-based SA Champion apprentice and South Africa’s only female jockey, Rachel Venniker flies out of Durban on Saturday en route to Turffontein and is set to write another historic achievement chapter in her short career.
While a badly timed fall in the big race lead up led to her having to stand down from making history when engaged to ride Red Saxon in the 2022 Hollywoodbets Gr1 Durban July, Rachel is looking forward to her trip to Turffontein.
Rachel chats to 4Racing CEO Fundi Sithebe at Turffontein on Women’s Day (Pic – JC Photos)
The 20 year old is set to become the first female jockey to ride in the 135 year old Summer Cup when she partners the 6yo Shango (50-1) for leading Cup trainer, Sean Tarry.
The Durbanite will ride work at Summerveld on Saturday morning at her boss’ yard before dashing off to King Shaka International Airport for her 50 minute flip to Egoli.
We put it to her that it is amazing dedication to have her riding work in one province on the same day that she has a Gr1 engagement in another province.
“It’s a rule and a routine – whatever province I am riding in. Mr Roberts runs a tight and disciplined ship, and I am very fortunate to be part of the team. We pull out just after 5am so I have time and one feels good with some exercise under the belt – and it beats lying in late!” she laughs.
Rachel, who is seventh on the national log with 47 winners at a win strike-rate of 13%, and rode a double on consecutive racedays in KZN earlier this week, has three rides on Saturday.
Asked about her chances, she said that Shango, a winner of the 2019 Dingaans and the 2021 Lonsdale Stirrup Cup, is a tough horse and that she had ridden him in work.
Flashback – Shango wins the Dingaans on Summer Cup day in 2019 (Pic – JC Photos)
“The number 1 draw makes life a bit easier. Mr Tarry will give us the instructions just prior to the race, so we will play it as it comes. It’s a great honour to have a ride in a Gr1 race of this stature and more so that my sponsor Jonsson Workwear is the official workwear partner for the Betway Summer Cup!” she told the Sporting Post.
Trainer Sean Tarry labelled Shango a hardened campaigner. “He’s carrying 54kg, anything can happen with a little bit of luck in running,“ he added.
Rachel also rides Wow for Luchelle Kruger in the second race, the Bipot opener.
“She’s a lovely filly with fair form and I missed the ride on her last time in view of a shuffle of racemeetings due to the weather. She must have a chance of going close.”
Indlamu, her mount in the third, has produced his best efforts for Rachel – including his last win back in May at Hollywoodbets Greyville.
“Ah, I love this horse. He only has one eye, but he is so kind and big-hearted. It’s a tough race but we combine well. We are always trying our best!” she adds.
