For jockey Renee Forrest, jumping back on the saddle is testament to her uncanny ability to dust herself off after life’s hardest hits.
This weekend, as thousands flock to the shores of Cockburn Sound for the iconic Rockingham Beach Cup, Ms Forrest will be among those soaking in the unique atmosphere of WA’s premier beach racing spectacle as a competitor and the racing coordinator.
But for the respected Perth jockey, simply being trackside is a victory in itself.
In May a horrifying car crash in Ellenbrook nearly derailed Forrest’s life.
Left with physical trauma and forced off the track to recover, many wondered if the 33-year-old might finally call time on her career.
Instead, her deep connection with the sport reigned her right back in.
“I’ve had my fair share of injuries over time, so there’s definitely been enough reasons to call time in the saddle and walk away,” Forrest said.
“But I just love what I do so much. I love the horses, I love the industry, I love the people I work with and I love the adrenaline.
“With their size, they scare a lot of people, but I just look at them as big dogs really, sometimes they can understand you more than what other humans can. They’re just beautiful animals.”
Forrest is looking forward to racing Sunday, saying the Rockingham Beach Cup offers a welcome change of pace from standard trackwork.
“It’s something different for us instead of just going around in circles all the time on the tracks,” she said.
The two-day festival kicks off on Saturday at Bell Park with the Rotary Community Festival, featuring food trucks, markets, live music and family entertainment, before Sunday’s main event delivers action right on the sand against the backdrop of the Rockingham foreshore.
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