Brae Sokolski shows solidarity as new Star of David colours get green light from stewards

Racing Victoria has approved revised racing colours featuring the Star of David for prominent owner Brae Sokolski after an interstate dispute over an earlier design.

The new silks consist of a grey base with a blue Star of David, olive sleeves and an olive and grey striped cap. Racing Victoria confirmed the updated design meets its local rule, 66A(1), which bars colours that promote a political, religious, or social agenda.

The approval comes after racing authorities in New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland raised concerns about Sokolski’s original colours, which closely resembled the Israeli flag.

On 11 March 2026, Racing NSW stewards prevented the earlier design from being used at Warwick Farm. An application to register the colours in New South Wales had already been refused, so jockey Chad Schofield was instructed to wear Australian Turf Club colours instead while riding Freight Train.

Racing NSW chief steward Tom Moxon explained that the colours could not be used because they had not been approved locally. “I understand that they’ve been registered in another PRA, but due to the fact that the attempt to have them registered here was rejected, they were not allowed to be used today,” he said.

The original silks, described as khaki with a blue and white hooped section on each arm, had been registered in Queensland and worn by Sokolski’s horse, Harry Met Sally when it won on debut at Ballarat on 10 March 2026. Racing Victoria then intervened and said the colours would not be permitted for further use until the matter was reviewed. Racing Queensland later deregistered the silks after finding the manufactured version did not match the approved description.

Sokolski subsequently collaborated with Racing Victoria on a revised design that kept the Star of David but removed the direct resemblance to the Israeli flag.

Racing Victoria chief executive Aaron Morrison described the process as constructive. “After an earlier design was not approved, we worked constructively with Mr Sokolski to find an outcome that recognised his intent, demonstrated support and remained consistent with Racing Victoria’s rules,” he said.

“Racing Victoria endorses the registration of these colours and joins Mr Sokolski in supporting the large Jewish community in Australia, particularly those within the racing industry.”

Sokolski stated that the colours served as a symbol of solidarity. “In an environment where some members of the Australian Jewish community have been afraid to outwardly display symbols of their faith, I hope the colours will inspire them to proudly show their Judaism alongside all Australians who share that same freedom of religious expression,” he said.

“I thank Racing Victoria for enabling me to show solidarity with the Australian Jewish community, who have contributed so much to this great country.”

Harry Met Sally, a son of Everest winner Yes Yes Yes, was the first horse to race in the revised colours at Sandown on Easter Monday.