LAUREL, MD. 09-14-12---Rider turned trainer Charles Forrest saddled his first winner when first-time-starter Burning Vow rallied to win this afternoon’s fourth race at Laurel Park.

Seven two-year-old fillies went to post in the 5-1/2 furlong test for $10,000 claiming maidens. Abel Castellano was aboard the chestnut daughter of Burning Roma, who charged down the lane to catch Pink Beauty just before the finish line and win by 1-1/2 lengths.

Forrest had to wait out a claim of interference against his filly made by third place finisher Punch Like A Girl’s owner Chip Reed before the stewards could find no fault and declared the finish as is.

“Very exciting,” said an emotional Forrest. “It is hard to compare the feeling because it has been so long since I won my first race as a rider but as you get older, you appreciate things more.”

The 46-year-old won 686 races as a jockey, according to Equibase, in a career that spanned from 1988-2010.

Forrest took out his trainer license in 2011 and currently trains six horses at Laurel Park. Burning Vow was his 15^th starter. The daughter of Burning Roma completed the distance in 1:08.80 and paid $20.80.

“She is a pretty smart horse,” added Forrest. “I thought I spotted her in the correct spot. I was looking for her to run well. It is even better that she won.”

About Laurel Park

Laurel Park is a Stronach Group company, North America’s leading Thoroughbred racetrack owner/operator. The Stronach Group racetracks include Santa Anita Park, Gulfstream Park & Casino, Golden Gate Fields, Portland Meadows, Laurel Park and Pimlico Race Course, home of the world-famous Preakness. The company owns and operates the Palm Meadows Training Center in Florida and is one of North America's top race horse breeders through its award-winning Adena Springs operation. The Stronach Group is one of the world's largest suppliers of pari-mutuel wagering systems, technologies and services. Its companies include AmTote, a global leader in wagering technology; Xpressbet, an Internet and telephone account wagering service; and Monarch Content Management, which acts as a simulcast purchase and sales agent of horseracing content for numerous North American racetracks and wagering outlets. The Stronach Group is also a major producer of televised horse racing programming through its HRTV cable and satellite network and is North America's premier supplier of virtual online horse racing games, as well as a leading producer of social media content for the horseracing industry.