Our questions are answered by South Africa’s sole female professional – a dual champion apprentice whose exploits are gaining rapid recognition on a wider stage
Rachel Venniker is unique in South African racing as the only female professional jockey riding in the country – and even then she obtained a licence only after being initially turned down for being too tall.
The 22-year-old, who was born around her parents’ show jumpers in Summerveld, Durban, has quickly established herself among the top ten riders.
The winner of two apprentice championships, Venniker has just completed her first season as a professional, riding 75 winners, and competing in the prestigious Durban July for the first time. She is mentored by her boss Michael Roberts, who was champion jockey in both Britain and South Africa.
Attracting increasing recognition, she rode in the International Jockeys Challenge in Saudi Arabia in February. Then in August she made her debut in the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup at Ascot, riding a winner on her first ride, plus a second and a third from her five mounts, as a member of the Rest of the World team.
Which racing figure, past or present, do you most admire?
The present one would be Ryan Moore and from the past Michael Roberts. Ryan is such an incredible jockey. You can see from the way he rides a race that he puts a lot of thought and planning into his craft. I really admire that.
As for Michael Roberts, my boss, there hasn’t been a better tactical rider than him. He has passed down a lot of that knowledge to me.
Which is your favourite venue, and race, anywhere in the world?
I have to say one from home so that would be Greyville turf track. I’ve grown up riding on it and the turf track is beautiful to ride. There are a few hills and things to be aware of but most horses run very well on it.
My favourite race would be the Cape Town Met. It has such a nice vibe to it. It’s a 2,000-metre race on the Kenilworth track. It’s another beautiful racecourse to ride. I haven’t won it yet but I finished third in the race this year.
Who is your favourite racehorse and why?
The Aidan O’Brien-trained horse Luxembourg. I’m not sure why but I just loved him when I saw him in Saudi Arabia. I know he didn’t win there but he looked like such a lovely horse to ride. There was just something about him.
I am also a big fan of Auguste Rodin. I made everyone in the house stop to watch him run in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes. He didn’t win either so I was quite disappointed but he had excuses. His start before at Royal Ascot was excellent.
What is your fondest memory in racing?
Probably my first winner. It was on a little filly called Calulo in a handicap at Scottsville in Durban in July 2021. It was only my second or third ride as an apprentice and she won so well. The excitement afterwards was fantastic. The best part was we weren’t expecting her to win. We were just going there for me to qualify going round the turn but she just grew wings the last furlong and flew home.
If you could change one thing in racing, what would it be?
I would love a bit more public energy for racing in South Africa, people coming to races and getting excited about racing. Our turnouts are not as good as they used to be. It’s such a beautiful game, I would love to see a bit more outside interest. The week of the Durban July interest improves but I would like it to stay. That’s one of my goals as well.
Rachel Venniker was speaking to Jon Lees
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