South African trailblazer Rachel Venniker saved her best until last in Round 4 of the Invest Saudi International Jockeys Challenge at King Abdulaziz Racecourse on Friday.
Riding Cliffs Of Fury (GB) on the turf over 2100m, a positive ride on paid off as her mount lasted by 0.25 lengths to hold off Prefontaine (IRE) and Alysha Collet.
"I didn’t know I had won, I was just roaring him across the line, hoping I had held on. And we did!" Venniker said.
"It is phenomenal! It is my first time to ride outside of South Africa and I have so many people to thank. Michael Roberts [top-class jockey-turned trainer] has helped me so much back home, but thank you to everyone who has supported me. I would also like to thank the owner and trainer of this horse Cliffs Of Fury."
Luis Saez was last year’s Challenge winner and Venniker tied for fourth place behind French rider Maryline Eon.