Making Durban July history

IN THE SADDLE: RISING STAR TO BE FIRST FEMALE TO RIDE IN SA'S BIGGEST HORSE RACE IN 128 YEARS

- Mike Moon

The Hollywoodbets Durban July is "just another race with a fancy name".

That's what jockey Rachel Venniker tells people when they ask her if she's a little nervous about making history as the first woman to ride in the July in the iconic race's 128-year history.

The nonchalance is clearly a tactic to dispel lurking nervousness and illustrates the ultra-professional approach that racing fans have come to associate with South Africa's sole female jockey.

Venniker does admit to being "very excited" at the prospect of lining up aboard a runner in the R5 million, Grade 1 handicap at Greyville racecourse at 4pm this afternoon.

"I've done my studying. I know what all the horses around me are likely to do in the running and I've devised a strategy to outsmart them," said Venniker this week.

She will have had to tweak that strategy on Thursday as her listed mount, Without Question, was scratched by trainer Justin Snaith when the four-year-old gelding pulled up lame after a morning exercise gallop.