Gai Waterhouse, a name synonymous with Australian horse racing, has carved a legendary career built on intuition, tenacity, and an unparalleled ability to communicate with thoroughbreds. As the daughter of iconic trainer Tommy “T.J.” Smith, she was destined for greatness, but she forged her own path to become the “First Lady of Australian Racing.” This definitive List Of Horses Trained By Gai Waterhouse celebrates the champions that have not only won prestigious races but have also captured the hearts of a nation, solidifying her status as a master of her craft.
From tough stayers to brilliant sprinters, Waterhouse’s training philosophy brings out the best in every horse that enters her Tulloch Lodge stables. Her partnership with Adrian Bott has only amplified this success, continuing a legacy of producing elite equine athletes. Join us as we explore the careers of the most remarkable horses to have been conditioned by one of the industry’s most brilliant minds.
The Icons of Tulloch Lodge
Certain horses do more than just win; they define an era. For Gai Waterhouse, these champions represent the pinnacle of her training achievements. They are remembered for their dominance, their heart, and their victories in Australia’s most coveted races.
Pierro: The Unbeaten Two-Year-Old
Pierro was a phenomenon from the moment he stepped onto the track. An undefeated Triple Crown winner as a two-year-old, his 2012 season was simply breathtaking. He claimed the Golden Slipper, Sires’ Produce Stakes, and Champagne Stakes, a feat that requires immense talent and precocious ability. Trained to perfection by Gai, Pierro demonstrated a versatility and fighting spirit that made him a crowd favourite and, later, a highly sought-after sire.
More Joyous: The Queen of the Track
A mare of incredible talent and consistency, More Joyous was a dominant force for several seasons. With an astounding eight Group 1 victories to her name, she was the epitome of class and durability. Her wins in prestigious races like the Doncaster Mile and the Queen of the Turf Stakes showcased her versatility over different distances. More Joyous was a testament to Waterhouse’s ability to manage and maintain a top-flight race mare at the elite level for an extended period, making her a true queen of the Australian turf.
Fiorente: The Melbourne Cup Champion
Every Australian trainer dreams of winning the Melbourne Cup, the “race that stops a nation.” Gai Waterhouse achieved this pinnacle of success in 2013 with the imported stallion Fiorente. After a nail-biting second-place finish the previous year, Waterhouse masterfully prepared the horse to go one better. His triumphant victory at Flemington was a moment of pure elation and a crowning achievement in her illustrious career, proving her expertise with European stayers. Fiorente’s win is a highlight on any list of horses trained by Gai Waterhouse.
Group 1 Winners and Fan Favourites
Beyond the absolute legends, Gai Waterhouse’s stables have consistently produced a stream of Group 1 winners. These horses have lit up racetracks across the country, each with a unique story of talent and triumph.
Nothin’ Leica Dane
One of Waterhouse’s earliest stars, Nothin’ Leica Dane, achieved a remarkable and rare double in 1995. He won the Victoria Derby and, just three days later, ran a gallant second in the Melbourne Cup as a three-year-old. This incredible display of stamina and resilience put the racing world on notice and was an early indicator of Waterhouse’s immense training capabilities.
Dance Hero
The 2004 season belonged to Dance Hero, another of Gai’s exceptional two-year-olds. He completed the coveted “Slipper-Sires-Champagne” Triple Crown, emulating the feat of some of the turf’s greatest young horses. His sheer speed and determination made him a formidable force, and his clean sweep of the juvenile series remains a significant training achievement.
Alligator Blood
A modern-day star, Alligator Blood has been a headline horse, known for both his immense talent and his captivating story. Under the joint training of Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott, he has added multiple Group 1 victories to his name, including the prestigious Underwood Stakes and the Champions Mile. His front-running, all-or-nothing style of racing makes him a thrilling spectacle and a fan favourite.
“A horse doesn’t know what price it is. It’s our job to get them to their peak on the day of the race, to give them the confidence to go out there and be champions.” – A sentiment often expressed by leading trainers like Dr. Sarah Miller, equine behaviourist.
Bentley Biscuit
Known as a “people’s horse,” Bentley Biscuit rose from humble beginnings to become a multiple Group 1-winning sprinter. His powerful finishing burst won him the BTC Cup and the All-Aged Stakes. He was loved for his consistency and honest racing style, proving that with the right training, a determined horse could conquer the biggest races.
How Do You Identify a Gai Waterhouse Trained Horse?
A horse trained by Gai Waterhouse often exhibits a distinct set of characteristics. They are known for their exceptional fitness, bold front-running racing patterns, and immaculate presentation in the mounting yard. Waterhouse instills a fighting spirit, and her horses are renowned for their toughness and will to win.
The Next Generation of Champions
The partnership between Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott ensures that the legacy of Tulloch Lodge is in safe hands. They continue to produce high-calibre racehorses, with a keen eye for sourcing talent both locally and internationally. The stable’s success in recent years with horses like Alligator Blood and the consistent stream of Saturday winners demonstrates that the production line of champions is far from over. The future list of horses trained by Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott is sure to be just as impressive.
Notable Horses Trained by Waterhouse & Bott:
- Converge: Winner of the Group 1 Randwick Guineas.
- Global Glamour: A dual Group 1-winning filly, claiming the Flight Stakes and The Thousand Guineas.
- In The Congo: A brilliant winner of the Group 1 Golden Rose Stakes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What was Gai Waterhouse’s first Group 1 winner?
Gai Waterhouse’s first Group 1 winner was Te Akau Nick, who famously won the 1992 Metropolitan Handicap, defeating the champion Better Loosen Up.
How many Golden Slipper winners has Gai Waterhouse trained?
Gai Waterhouse has an outstanding record in the Golden Slipper, the world’s richest race for two-year-olds. She has trained an incredible seven winners: Ha Ha (2001), Dance Hero (2004), Sebring (2008), Pierro (2012), Overreach (2013), Vancouver (2015), and Farnan (2020), the latter with co-trainer Adrian Bott.
Has Gai Waterhouse won the Melbourne Cup?
Yes, Gai Waterhouse won the 2013 Melbourne Cup with the imported stayer Fiorente, a defining moment in her training career.
Which horse is considered the best on the list of horses trained by Gai Waterhouse?
While it is subjective, many would argue for Pierro due to his unbeaten two-year-old Triple Crown season. However, More Joyous, with her eight Group 1 wins, and the Melbourne Cup hero Fiorente also have incredibly strong claims to being the best.
What is the Waterhouse and Bott training partnership?
In 2016, Gai Waterhouse formed an official training partnership with Adrian Bott. Together, they manage the operations at Tulloch Lodge, combining Waterhouse’s legendary experience with Bott’s modern approach to continue their legacy of success.
A Legacy of Equine Excellence
The list of horses trained by Gai Waterhouse is more than a record of wins; it is a story of Australian racing history. From two-year-old prodigies to champion mares and Melbourne Cup heroes, her ability to nurture talent is undeniable. These horses have provided unforgettable moments for racing fans, and their achievements are a lasting tribute to the skill and dedication of their legendary trainer. As the Waterhouse-Bott partnership continues to thrive, one thing is certain: there are many more champions to come.
