HE stood unobtrusively in the mounting yard - right next to where the winners return to scale
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Few noticed the teenager in the post-Ballarat Cup hustle and bustle.
Lachlan Forrester was patiently waiting for the triumphant Mujadale to make his way back from the track.
He wasn't showing it, but the 17-year-old was proud, really proud of what his father Kevin had just achieved.
The much travelled and vastly experienced Forrester senior had just produced a sensational frontrunning ride for victory on Mujadale in the listed $200,000 Sportsbet.com.au Ballarat Cup, 2200m - the first time the race had been run as part of a premier Saturday meeting.
"I had a good feeling (about today)," the youngster said.
"I don't usually go to the races, but there was something about today
"There's been a lot of weird signs…signs that something (good) might happen."
Lachlan Forrester's passion is playing the guitar and normally that is what he does while his father is away at the races.
He would like nothing better than make a career of music and with Kevin has set up his own home recording studio.
As he stood amid a growing throng of well-wishers assembling around the Mujadale camp, Lachlan was already making plans for a family celebration.
"We've got a new sound system."
He did not need to say any more.
When Forrester did get back to the mounting yard on Mujadale, it was a frenzy.
What a story.
A little known trainer from Stawell in Paul Jones and a veteran jockey with a great career record, but now back living back in Ballarat where he was born, grew up and started his riding career before beginning an Australia-wide journey.
Kevin Forrester was overjoyed.
"It means a lot.
"Ït gives me status," said Forrester, who works and rides for the stable of Barry and Glen James not far from the Ballarat racecourse.
"Ït puts me back on the map."
Forrester said he was always confident about Mujadale's chances.
"Ï thought he'd win."
And this is the way he rode the seven-year-old - going to lead and riding aggressively throughout.
Forrester said it was always important to think positively and this had been his approach.
He thanked the James for the opportunity they had given him in Ballarat.
He said the James were workaholics and they were driving him hard, and it was paying dividends.
Forrester said they've given him an incentive to push himself and it was all coming together.