WA jockey Renee Forrest fought long recovery from harrowing crash to return to iconic Rockingham Beach Cup

Detailed summary

This weekend, thousands will flock to the shores of Cockburn Sound for the iconic Rockingham Beach Cup, but for one respected Perth jockey, simply being trackside is a victory in itself.

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.”

Opening of the article, excerpted from The West Australian. To read the rest, open the article on the publisher's site.