Devastating bad luck rules OUT jockey Rachel Venniker

In a devastating turn of bad luck, apprentice jockey Rachel Venniker’s opportunity to become the first female to ride in the Hollywoodbets Durban July has been dashed after a freak incident in the final race at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Monday.

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According to the Sporting Post website, the 21-year-old was unseated when her mount Kileigh’s Fate reared as the gates opened at the start of the eighth race.

Rachel Venniker suffered a concussion

Gold Circle Racing Executive Raf Sheik confirmed that Venniker suffered a concussion and whiplash and will stand down on medical advice.

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Trainer Joey Soma has requested time until Tuesday morning to source a replacement jockey for his three-year-old runner Red Saxon.

The 2022 Hollywoodbets Durban July will take place on Saturday, 2 July.

The first of 12 races is due off at 11:50 with the main race scheduled for 16:00.

Gates will open at 09:00.

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