Albany’s Bethany Rainbow to further her career working with horses under the guidance of Olympic medallist

Aspiring Albany horsewoman Bethany Rainbow will embark on a new journey when she joins Bimbadeen Park under the care of Olympic medallist Shane Rose. Olympic silver medallist and South Stirling woman Sonja Johnson encouraged Rainbow to pursue the opportunity and she will begin the long trip across the Nullarbor on Thursday. Rainbow moved to Albany from New South Wales when she was four and started eventing when she was eight before joining Roy Rogers’ racing stable in 2017. Rose has won two silver medals and a bronze medal in a decorated Olympic career and specialises as a pre-trainer. He runs Bimbadeen Park, which helps break new horses in for top trainers in NSW, including Gai Waterhouse and Gary Portelli. Rainbow will take her two eventing horses, Dynasty and Steelo over with her and left Albany this week for the five-day trip. Rainbow said the opportunity to work with Rose was a fantastic chance to gain more knowledge as she planned to set up her own racing stable in the future. “I was having a lesson with Sonja Johnson and she encouraged me to send an email to them and ask if they needed a worker, and now I have a job,” she said. “I’m looking to get a bit more experience working with racehorses, eventers and breakers so I’m ready when I go out on my own. “I want to train out of my own stable and it’s something I have always wanted to do since I started working with Roy. “I want to move up the ranks in eventing also while I’m over there and aim towards Adelaide 3DE.” Rainbow had never ridden a racehorse before joining Rogers’ stable, and became their main track rider. She did it all, from track gallops, barrier work, education, handling of young horses and race day attendance to organising feeds and treatments, and helping with staff employment. For three years Rainbow, has been Rogers’ forewoman and said she had a wonderful time. “I’m really grateful for Roy and Wendy Rogers and the opportunities they gave me and provided me with,” she said. “The move is nerve-racking but I’m definitely excited for this new chapter.” Rainbow has recently bought a property at Young Sidings for her return to WA as she aims to become a licensed trainer. She hopes to be at Bimbadeen Park for at least a year.