Interview with Renee Forrest

Perth Turf Talk | Metropolitan Racing | Thu 26 February, 2015

Renee is a promising apprentice jockey from Western Australia, with a bright future. Renee started riding in March 2011, and success soon followed her finishing with 23 winners for the year.

One of the biggest accomplishments in Renee’s career has been taking out not only Geraldton Turf Clubs Apprentice of the year, but also taking out their Jockey of the year. This makes her the first female jockey to do so

Over her short career, Renee has ridden over 100 winners and amassed an amazing $2,353,437 in prize money, much to the delight of the trainers and owners.

What got you into race riding and how long have you been doing it for?
It’s something I’ve wanted to do since I was really young as I had family members that were involved in racing. I’ve been race riding for 3 years now.

 

What is the hardest thing about being a female jockey? 
I don’t really think there is anything In particular hard about being a female jockey as times are changing and there are more and more females in this game than 20/30 years ago.

 

Highlight of your career?
Most Promising Junior Rider, Trainee of the year 2010/2011, becoming the first female rider to win jockey and apprentice of the year at Geraldton 2014.

 

What is/are your favourite track/s and why?
I like Belmont and Geraldton as they both have nice long straights gives all horses a chance to win, no matter where they are in running.

 

Favourite horse ridden and why?
Waratah’s Secret is my all time favourite horse. He was different to all the other horses had a really good/funny personality to him. I’ve never ridden a horse as powerful as him.

 

What would be the race you would like to win most? 
I don’t really have a race in particular to be honest.

 

What do you enjoy about being a jockey the most?
I love how I get paid to do something I love. How we get to travel and ride see the country side. Always meeting new people.

 

What is the one horse you would love the opportunity to ride?

That’s easy Black Caviar!!

 

Describe a typical day in your life.
My day starts at 4am muck out yards then start riding/swimming the horses when that’s all done give them a lunch feed, muck out again then do some general clean up. Then I may have races depending on the day.

 

Describe what you would typically eat daily?

Anything and everything I’m very lucky to be a light weight jockey I walk around at 48kg.

Who is the person who has influenced you the most in your career and why?
My Great Grand parents as they were like parents to me everything I do is to make them proud. 

 

 

If you had a racehorse, what would its name be?
Perception 

 

If you weren’t a jockey, what would you be doing? 
I would properly be playing professional soccer. 

 

What do you enjoy doing outside of working with horses? 
I love going to the beach, fishing, camping and most of all spending time with family and friends.

Something people might not know about you?
I’m officially a midget!!

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