Rachel Venniker Leading female jockey Rachel Venniker prepares for the 2026 Hollywoodbets Durban July.
South Africa's leading female jockey, Rachel Venniker, is set for another opportunity to make history when she lines up in the 2026 Hollywoodbets Durban July at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Saturday.
The 24-year-old will partner Choisaanada, trained by Erico Verdonesse, after earning a place in the prestigious 2,200m race. The middle-distance gelding is regarded as a stamina specialist, with Venniker's patient riding style expected to suit the horse's racing profile.
Venniker first made history in 2024 when she became the first female jockey to compete in the Hollywoodbets Durban July aboard reserve runner Hluhluwe. Her journey to the country's biggest horse racing event, however, has been filled with setbacks.
She was originally booked to ride Red Saxon in the 2022 edition before suffering a concussion in a race-day accident just days before the event, forcing her withdrawal. The following year, the horse she was due to ride failed to make the final field.
