If horses can take on the traits of their trainers than it should come as no surprise that Nobellity posted a fighting victory at Belmont on Wednesday.
Nobellity, sent out a $36 chance, held strong in the straight and fell in to defeat the fast-finishing Wicked Venom by a short-head.
Nobellity was out on her feet after leading, but given everything by Laqdar Ramoly, she toughed it out to the very end of her 1200m race.
It capped a memorable day for dual-license holder, Renee Forrest, who celebrated her first win as a trainer at just her second attempt.
Forrest is widely recognised as one of the toughest and bravest competitors in racing who has suffered more than her fair share of knocks.
Her time in the saddle has been littered with multiple falls, multiple injuries and multiple setbacks, but she keeps fighting back.
She’s also humble and chose not to gloat in the aftermath of her first training triumph, preferring to deflect all praise to her special horse.
“It was a really good experience and I enjoyed the thrill of it,” Forrest said to Racing WA.
“More so happy for the horse than myself, to be honest.
“She’s such a kind animal and tries 110 per cent each time she steps out onto the track.
“It was good for her to get the reward for the effort she puts in.
“She also races in my great-grandparents colours which is pretty special as well.”
Forrest says Nobellity’s victory is a major confidence boost and validates her decision to try her hand at the training caper after a less than smooth transition.
Almost mirroring her time riding, Forrest has had to contend and overcome some hurdles, which has seen her small team whittled down to just Nobellity.
“I’ve had the lows from the get-go,” Forrest said.
“Now, I’m just riding the highs for a little bit.
“But, it was a good confidence boost, that’s for sure.
“There’s been a few times I’ve gone home scratching my head thinking am I doing it right.
“So, yesterday (Wednesday) was good assurance on why I’m in the game.
“The best part I was able to share it with the ones that I love and are closest to me.
“It’s been a good learning curve.”
Training appeared a natural pathway for Forrest, who wanted to stay involved in an industry that has been her life and was cover if she couldn’t return to the saddle.
She can’t let go of her riding ambitions and desperately wants to get back in the saddle for the first time in a year following another operation on her troublesome shoulder.
“I just had my third shoulder operation and I wasn’t sure if I could get back to riding,” Forrest said.
“I don’t know anything else and have been in the industry since I was 14.
“It was always something I wanted to eventually try, the training side of things.
“With the dual license I thought why not give it a go now.
“If I don’t like it or it’s not for me, I can walk away from the game happy that I gave it my all and I tried, leaving no regrets.
“I want to tick all the boxes while I can and still young.
“Hopefully I can pick up a few more horses and owners.
“I’ll ride the wave while I can.”
After a win and a third from her first two starts for Forrest, there are further wins in store for seven-year-old, Nobellity.
“The horse has got ability,” Forrest said.
“She has come along in leaps and bounds.
“Her first up run was huge; the only query was Belmont form.
“She ticked all the boxes and I was over the moon with how she was.
“I did everything I could and it was up to Lucky (Ramoly) to finish it off on the day.”
