Stewards deregister colours of Brae Sokolski that include Israeli flag resemblance

The new colours of prominent owner Brae Sokolski, that seem include a design similar to an Israeli flag, will be deregistered.

The new colours were revealed for the first time when his 2-year-old gelding, Harry Met Sally, won at Ballarat in Victoria on Tuesday.

The colours were initially registered in Queensland, however authorities reversed their approval on Wednesday.

”I have seen a picture of the colours that were produced, supplied by Racing NSW stewards. They were not consistent with the colours approved by the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission,” Racing Queensland chief Steward Josh Adams told Betsy.

”Therefore, Stewards have ordered that the registration will be removed today through Racing Australia.’

The colours now include tartan green with what appears to be similar to the Israeli flag on each sleeve.

The Star of David is often recognised as the main symbol that represents the Jewish culture and the state of Israel.

While the Star of David is usually outlined and is not filled in with colour, Sokolski’s new colours however has the star completely blue. On the outside of the star are two blue lines, like the Israeli flag does.

So while it appears to the eye it is an Israeli flag, there are some differences.

The colours were due to be used on Wednesday in Sydney, on Freight Train in race 5, but will now carry club colours.

Racing NSW chief steward Tom Moxon said Freight Train was not permitted to wear the colours at Warwick Farm on Wednesday, so had to race in the club colours on Wednesday.

“The colours were attempted to be registered in NSW and rejected,” Moxon said. “They will not be able to be used in NSW.

“The horse will race in the club colours today.”

Many of Sokolski’s horses have typically worn a tartan green blend, which have included stars of the track such as Caulfield Cup winner Incentivise and Everest winner Yes Yes Yes.

Sokolski is a proud Jewish man and declined to comment when contacted by Betsy.

A new rule to racing was introduced in late 2025 than bans the ‘’the display or expression of political, religious, or social agendas at race meetings’’.

Racing Australia CEO Paul Erikkson declined to comment on Wednesday, saying race colours are a matter for the states.

Racing Victoria said that Stewards contacted Sokolski before Tuesday’s meeting regarding their use, but allowed them to be worn.

“The colours in question were officially registered in Queensland and entered into the national database before being switched onto some of Mr Sokolski’s horses that are currently stabled in Victoria.

“Having become aware of the design of the colours in comparison to their registered description, RV Stewards contacted Mr Sokolski inviting him to make submission as to why the colours should be permitted for ongoing use in Victoria.

“Mr Sokolski was notified that the RV Directors will consider his submission in accordance with Local Rule 66A and make a determination on their ongoing use at a date to be fixed.

“As part of their formal communication with Mr Sokolski, Stewards permitted the colours to be worn at yesterday’s Ballarat meeting, given that final fields had been declared at the time of writing.

“Mr Sokolski was advised that the colours would not be permitted for use in Victoria from then until such time as the RV Directors consider the matter and make a determination.”

Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Craig Williams has frequently displayed support for Ukraine, wearing custom riding breeches bearing the Australian and Ukrainian flags.