Kevin Forrester
Kevin Forrester, 30 years a jockey is now based in South East Queensland after a much traveled career that has seen him ride for the best trainers in Australia and win major races in Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth and Malaysia.
Forrester was raised in Ballarat, where he learnt to ride for trotting trainer Graham (Squizzie) Taylor. It was here Kevin took up an apprenticeship with local trainer Vin Grace at the ripe old age of 14.
Kevin rode his first winner Jay Boy at Donald within 12 months. With limited opportunities with Grace, Kevin adopted the the idealism of "have saddle will travel" attitude and moved to bigger stables such as Barry James and Noel Kelly. His final 18 months of his apprenticeship was served under the enigmatic Geoff Murphy at Caulfield.
Forrester launched himself into the big-time when he finished second behind Gurners Lane in the 1982 Caulfield Cup on Gala Mascot. Kevin then won the Australian Cup - Carlyon Cup double on Admiral Lincoln and Christmas Hcp on Beach Boy. Kevin gave David Hayes his first Group 1 winner when taking the William Reid Stakes on Wrap Around.
Other feature wins include the Sandown Cup on Conbituate Lady and the Standish Hcp on Strawberry Ranch. He also won two Moe Cups, two Kilmore Cups, the Warnambool Cup , Kyneton Cup and the Cranbourne Cup.
Then it was off to Sydney to ride for Alan Bell for whom he won the Brisbane Cup on Dupain.
A six month stint in Malaysia followed where he won the Kuala Lumpur Gold Cup, Otard Cup and Selangor Gold Cup.
It was then off to Perth via Sydney, where he rode many winners including the brilliant Miss Andretti, new holder of the state 1200m record. Kevin rode Miss Andretti in all but one of her 13 starts for nine wins and three places. Whilst in WA he made a special trip to Adelaide to partner Pantani for good friend Robbie Laing to win the Adelaide Cup.
During his first month in Queensland, Kevin has already won the Listed Peter Gallagher Stks on Aiden James and the Listed Glenlogan Parkes Stks on Countess Bathory.
Other Facts About Kevin
First Winner: Jay Boy at Donald
Greatest achievement in racing: Surviving in a very tough game and achieving so much
Greatest thrill in racing: Training a winner at Gloucester Park WA Elite Conquest $100.00 purchase and improving him to win 5 races, taking him from running a 2.07.00 mile rate to running 1.59.1
Favourite horse: A MELBOURNE CUP WINNER WITH ME ON IT !
Best horse I've ridden: Might And Power
Best horse I've seen: Kingston Town
Best Jockey ridden against: Harry White
Favourite track: Flemington
Favourite meeting: With friends at the Melbourne Cup Carnival
Biggest Influence in racing: My ability to self motivate and strive for success and my children Nathan, Charles and Lachlin.
