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Mickaëlle Michel and Rachel Venniker, two female jockeys in the main race for the first time in the history of the Durban July
3 July 2026 – This year’s Hollywoodbets Durban July is doing its bit for women in racing with two female jockeys taking part in the main race for the first time in the history of this eagerly anticipated event.
French jockey Mickaëlle Michel will be riding the filly Curious Girl. Trained by father-and-son team Mike and Mathew de Kock and owned by Hollywood Racing, Curious Girl made history on 4 April, 2026 by winning the Grade 2 TAB SA Derby, becoming the first filly to win the race in 108 years.
Bred by Riyo Stud, she was named Curious Girl because she constantly kept her head out of her stable box, inquisitively watching her surroundings.
The same could probably be said for Michel, who arrived in South Africa for the first time in December 2025, eager to investigate racing in Africa.
She initially hoped to stay a mere five weeks. Still, seven months later, she is readying herself to participate in the big race, having already made history by becoming the second female rider to win a South African Grade 1 race when Star Major (trained by James Crawford) won the Daily News 2000.
She also guided this colt to a Grade 2 victory in the World Sports Betting Gr2 Guineas at Greyville in Durban in May.
South Africa’s top female jockey, Rachel Venniker, will be back in the saddle for this year’s Hollywoodbets Durban July.
Somewhat surprised to hear that she would be given another chance to be the first female winner of this prestigious race, she is nevertheless excited to head for the starting gate on Saturday.
She will be riding Choisaanada, trained by Erico Verdonesse, a middle-distance performer who should be well suited to the 2 200m Hollywoodbets Durban July distance. Race gurus say this bay gelding is perfect for stamina-based races and will benefit from a balanced, patient ride, which aligns with Venniker’s well-known tactical awareness and adaptability.
Venniker made history in 2024 when she became the first female jockey to participate in the Hollywoodbets Durban July – again on another reserve named Hluhluwe.
This was a case of “third time lucky” for the 24-year-old. In 2022, she was due to ride Red Saxon, but an accident and suspected concussion a week before the big day saw her ruled out. In 2023, the horse she was due to ride did not make the final line-up.
