Episode 352: Brian Forrester

Great to catch up with 88 year old Brian Forrester, one of the elite harness drivers of his generation. NZ born Forrester learned his craft from master Christchurch trainer George Noble before going on to work for several leading horsemen. He fondly remembers his first winning drive at Blenheim, and his initial metro win at Addington. Brian pays tribute to two close relatives who emerged from World War 2 with distinction. He’s never forgotten a frightening trip to Sydney in mountainous seas on the cargo ship Wanganella. He had six horses to look after on the Tasman crossing. Brian recalls his first meeting with trainer Max Truer, a man who would have a tremendous influence on his career. He looks back on an A.G. Hunter Cup win on the Truer trained Stormy Bruce. Brian recalls the circumstances under which the Tasmanian pacer Chamfer Star found his way into the Truer stable at Bankstown. The champion reinsman looks back on his unforgettable clean sweep of the 1966 Inter Dominion at Sydney’s Harold Park with the nine year old Chamfer Star. The weather was atrocious. Brian acknowledges several special horses he got to drive during his stellar career. One of them was the legendary mare Robin Dundee.  He looks back on a wonderful association with Fran Donohue, the only female trainer to win a Harold Park premiership. Brian was Fran’s stable driver throughout that season. Brian reflects on a NSW driver’s title which he says he won by default. He pays tribute to the drivers he most admired during his career. Although best known as a top freelance driver, Brian enjoyed a great deal of success as a trainer in his own right. He talks of some special horses who helped him along the way. He enjoyed a stint in the great trotting town of Leeton in the late 1970’s. He recalls the experience. The champion reinsman talks of the vision impairment which ended his race driving career in the mid nineties. After quitting the sulky Brian worked for several Warwick Farm gallops trainers. He remained active for another twenty five years. He acknowledges those trainers and talks about a frightening kick to the head he received from a thoroughbred mare. Brian and his wife Coral are the parents of six children. He brings us up to date with the whereabouts of the Forrester clan. The typically humble Forrester says he never regarded himself as an elite driver. Those who competed with him, and thousands of trot fans vehemently disagreed. Great to yarn with a legendary trotting horseman.