New Entrant In WA Riding Ranks
16 December, 2015
Thoroughbred
A new participant enters the Western Australian jockey ranks when apprentice Chelsi Forder takes her first ride at Geraldton on Thursday.
Joining her father, Mark and half-sister, Renee Forrest as jockeys, Forder partners Hinzley in the CSBP Kevin Memorial Handicap (1600m).
And her claims of getting a dream start was boosted when Hinzley, racing in a consistent vein of form, drew perfectly in gate four.
At Geraldton last-start he won easily after leading and in November he ran a sound third to Special Delivery in the York Cup (1500m).
Julio Santarelli from Racing and Wagering Western Australia (RWWA) spoke with Forder on the eve of her personal milestone.
JS: Any nerves ahead of Thursday?
CF: They are starting to kick in as the race becomes closer and knowing that I am on a horse like Hinzley who is a good chance.
JS: He is racing in good form and rates as a top hope for punters.
CF: I’m lucky to have been involved with Hinzley from the start of my apprenticeship to my first ride. He was my first jump out and I have been with him through all my trials. He has been very good to me and a great horse to learn on.
JS: The tactics will be jump and go straight to the front?
CF: That will be the plan. He jumps pretty quickly and hopefully no one takes us on. There doesn’t appear to be too much pace in the race.
JS: What will it be like racing against your dad who will combine with Archipelago?
CF: I actually had a laugh about it but it does make it extra special. He will probably be up in the first few trying to take me on.
JS: How is your dad in the build-up?
CF: I think he is pretty excited and nervous. Geraldton is one of his favourite places that he knows so well. He is going to walk the track with me on Thursday. It’s all very exciting.
JS: When did you decide you wanted to become a jockey?
CF: It had always been a thought as I have been involved in racing and seen all the highs and lows. But my mum said I had to finish year 12 before I even considered it.
JS: Did anyone try and talk you out of it?
CF: Mum tried a couple of times but it was more nerves on her behalf because she didn’t want to see me get hurt or injured.
JS: You have seen Renee sustain a number of serious injuries so it didn’t deter you?
CF: Not really. It’s all part of racing and you can’t do too much about it. If you want to do it you just have to get out there and do it.
JS: You are indentured to Dave Casey?
CF: He has been very good to me as has his foreman, Meryl Hayley. I have been very lucky. They have helped me through my trials, supported me and obviously given me Hinzley. I have been very lucky.
JS: They have given you a vote of confidence with Hinzley on Thursday.
CF: Especially because he is going so well. It must be nerve-racking for them as well. It’s my first ride and they want what’s best for me as well as the horse. It’s a tricky situation but I’m thankful I’ve got Hinzley and they have put me on.
JS: What’s your preparation ahead of Thursday?
CF: I will be trying to keep it as simple as possible. I’ve looked at the race and the form, trying to work out where everyone is going to be. My main priority is to get around safely but there will be a lot of pressure with Hinzley the favourite.
JS: Have you had much support from friends and family in the past few days?
CF: I’m driving up with Mum because I get plane sick which is something I will have to overcome. It’s only a 4 ½ hour drive which I have done plenty of times before with dad. A lot of the other riders like Shelby Bowtell and Ellie Cockram have been great. Also my step-dad, Craig Coombe, who was a jockey and riding master. I have had a lot of support all the way around and I’m very lucky.
JS: Thursday probably can’t come around quickly enough?
CF: Yes exactly! It’s been a long time coming.