GAI’S GAZETTE4th Edition/ December 2013

The Dream Came True!

Proudly sponsored by Magic Millions

GAI’S

EDITOR-IN-CHIEf

Lea Stracey EDITOR GAZETTE Ric Chapman nd the dream came true! Journalists Last issue we talked about “Living the Dream”. For Lady Gai, on the first Tues- Denise Martin day of November, 2013, all the stars were Lea Stracey A Zeb Armstrong finally aligned and the Rob Waterhouse was hers, won by , one of the Emma Pearce most handsome black stallions you could Dane Robinson Greg Nash ever see. I’m sure you will enjoy reading James Harron about Fiorente and how he came under Madison Whant Gai’s watchful eye. This lucky writer is one of Fiorente’s Graphic design & layout proud and thrilled owners. Last year, while this most masculine of was Madison Whant going through his paces at Werribee, I turned to Gai feeling 2012 was our year. chief photographer Fiorente, whose name means “Thriving”

Bradley Photographers or “Flourishing” (comes from the Latin word “Fiore” – flower) was being cared Advertisers for by Fleur whose name means “flower” in French. I felt it was an omen and it almost was, when he flashed out of the pack from midfield, gobbled up his opposition and stormed Magic Millions Sales Vinery Stud home for a second which to my mind anyway, could have been a first, Coolmore Stud had there been one or two more metres to the post! Cambridge Stud It seemed to me in the weeks leading up to Fiorente’s enormous Turangga Park Musk Creek charge, that everyone we met was certain that this year would Newhaven Park Stud be Gai’s. No words can express the rollercoaster of emotions that day – Widden Stud the excitement, the thrill, the anxiety, the relief. This is the beauty of a Bell View Park Lomar Park staying race. It elicits such a range of emotions. The hard work of Gai Rheinwood Pastoral and her team has paid off. Congratulations Gai and everyone at Ranvet Lodge! This issue is certainly jampacked with information and wonderful Advertising Manager stories for your summer holiday reading. Now that the staying races

Ric Chapman have been run and won our minds start to turn towards the Magic Mil- [email protected] lions on the Gold Coast where many of us look for the elusive sprint- ing champion. I know you will enjoy reading about the processes in PrINTERS acquiring these yearlings full of promise. Who knows, we might even

Graphic Impressions see you at the sale yards when you are having a break from all the sun and surf the Gold Coast has to offer. I certainly hope so……

Happy Reading and Happy Holidays Lea Stracey Editor-in-Chief

4 www.gaiwaterhouse.com.au Contents

page 10

page 32 Page 6 Performance of the Month Pages 8 - 9 From the Pen of the Lady Trainer Pages 10 - 11 A Dream come True Pages 12 - 13 Recent Winners

Pages 14 - 18 Gai’s Graduates off to a Darley Flying Start Pages 20 - 21 Bombaderry Boy Bounces into Town page 11 Pages 22 - 23 Horses, Friendship and Yearling Inspections Pages 24 - 28 Gai Waterhouse and the Magic Millions page 40 Pages 30 - 31 Yearling Inspection Pages 32 - 33 This year and beyond for Melbourne Cup Hero Fiorente Page 34 The Story of a named Fiorente Pages 36-38 In the Spotlight: Apollo Ng Pages 40 - 41 Young Apprentice Spreads his Wings Page 42 Gai helps honour a True Legend of Art Page 44 , an exciting first season page 22 sire

www.gaiwaterhouse.com.au 5 Pic by Bradley Photographers

PERFORMANCE OF THE MONTH: Queenstown

By Denise Martin

ometimes our talented horses are so much in June that year and there she was. It seemed as Friday night produced a dominant win over the Cox “closer to home” than we may first think. though it was inevitable that I should buy the filly Plate distance of 2,040 metres in a $100,000 fillies When highly successful Tasmanian and fortunately, she was knocked down to Star for and mares event. This was followed by a memora- breeders Robyn and her son David $60,000. The partnership to race her was finalised ble second in the 2,000 metres Group 2 Momentum SWhishaw from Armidale Stud, initially planned to quickly, and with the Tasmanian connection and the Stakes at Flemington on Emirates Stakes Day. Her offer their Stratum – Regal Heights (NZ) filly at the filly’s New Zealand mum, we felt that we needed to narrowest of margins defeat, was both exhilarating yearling sales, their intention had been to present her establish a name, with an association in both places. and heart stopping (for her owners, not the mare!). at the 2011 Inglis Premier sale in Melbourne. QUEENSTOWN it was, and as is often the case, Onwards to the Group 2 Zipping Classic over the Several weeks prior to the Victorian sale and whilst her name now suits the mare perfectly. testing journey of 2,400 metres one week later at in Launceston, I met up with Robyn at the Tasma- Caulfield, QUEENSTOWN led for most of the trip, nian Magic Millions sale and enquired about her QUEENSTOWN, now a 4 year old mare, won her only to be caught late in the final stages of the race, draft at the upcoming Inglis auction. She explained first race start at Hawkesbury over a sprint distance. running third behind the vastly more seasoned 6 that she had a particularly attractive Stratum filly to From then onwards, she has displayed real talent year old Galileo (IRE) gelding, Sertorius. It was the sell, and that Star should inspect her. over middle distance and now staying races. Her run of a mare ready to make (in Gai’s words) “the Some weeks later and with this conversation well explosive win over 2,000 metres at Randwick in quantum leap” next preparation. in mind, I headed to the Melbourne sale with the May signalled a likely Spring Carnival campaign intention of looking at the filly and maybe purchas- and true to form, her owners have had one thrill QUEENSTOWN has given her owners (and ing her to offer in a Star partnership. The best laid after another with the mare over the past two and a syndicator) unforgettable excitement over the past plans went astray however, as the filly had been cast half months. Her second placing, beaten less than a couple of months and she now looks destined for in her box in Tassie a short time prior to travelling to length, in the Angst Stakes at Randwick in mid-Oc- even greater success in the autumn as the mare the Inglis sale, and the immediate sale plans for her tober highlighted QUEENSTOWN’s capacity to spells, to return for a Cup preparation. were unknown at that stage. race at Stakes level this preparation. It’s a long way up the ladder for the little girl from Fast forward to the Magic Millions National sale Her first start in Victoria at Moonee Valley on a Tassie. ▣ 6 www.gaiwaterhouse.com.au

From the Pen Of the Lady Trainer

hen the October edition of Gai’s Gazette came out, I was pictured on the front cover holding my father’s 1955 Melbourne Cup thatW he received when his horse Toparoa beat the immortal Rising Fast by a small margin. It was a great thrill to again hold this cherished Cup, but little did I know that a short time later, I would be holding aloft my own piece of Australian racing history. I have always wished I had a horse that was good enough to win this great race, and boy have I gone close. Now with Fiorente I have reached the summit. This entire is everything a trainer could possibly ask for in a champion horse. For , me, the 38 strong group of won- derful owners and for everyone in who backed him or enjoyed his win, Fiorente provided immense pleasure and a magnificent experience. My husband, my children and their spouses, my mother and father in-law, and all the Tulloch Lodge staff, have helped me reach this pinnacle and I can’t thank you all enough. The difference between sport in Victoria and NSW is immense. In Victoria, people are com- pletely aware of all their sports stars, they follow their respective sports ever so keenly and they live and die by their teams. It is just not the same in NSW. I have won five Golden Slippers, seven Doncaster Handicaps and well over 100 Group Ones Australia wide. But winning the Melbourne Cup is something completely different: it is the race that stops a nation. When walking up the street since the win people are going out of their way to say hello: “Oh you won the Cup, congratulations” and, “You got your Cup Gai, well done.” “Great to see you win the Cup Gai, what a win from that horse.” This also, “Yes, I backed him, at the two furlong pole we were home!” Everyday strangers are congratulating me and this perfectly illustrates the significance of the Melbourne Cup to the Australian public. This time of year I am on the road searching for

8 www.gaiwaterhouse.com.au A jubilant Gai with connections at the podium

the next Champion. Along with my trusty team, I am on the prowl through Australia Gai with Joe and moving from south to north searching for the Anne Hayden next star of Australian racing. All this hard work culminates at the Magic Millions sales on the Gold Coast early next year. Dance Hero, Pierro, Ha Ha, and Excellerator just to name a few, are some of the magnif- icent horses I have identified early and then purchased at the Magic Millions sales. Of all the sales in the world, and I have been to many, the Magic Millions is one of the most intriguing. It is where the surf meets the turf. The Gold Coast has fun parks for the kids, shopping malls for us ladies, golf courses, waterways for a quick cruise and bars and restaurants and clubs for the night time cruis- ers. The race meeting is just so much fun and the set up between the sales ring and the race track is very interesting. Both the ring and the he Magic Millions sales commence of the travel I really enjoy. Tessa Hether- track are not quite big enough, but together on 8 January 2014, but before then ington is the newest member of our team and they make for a delicious mixture and a sale / Tmy darling husband is whisking me she comes to us via the Darley Flying Start festival that I look forward to each and every away on a family holiday. It will be the first program. Tessa is a mature aged student who year. time in over 20 years that I have been away is a qualified barrister but she gave up a life You have to do your homework on the year- for Christmas and in fact I will only be back of black capes and powdered wigs in the lings and this is where I think I have an ad- three days before the Magic Millions sales Royal Courts of Justice in London to join the vantage. In my tortoise-like manner (the only commence. That is why I have to see so many world. time I go at tortoise pace) I weave my way yearlings so early. So look out, the Lady Tessa graduates next June and for three from Melbourne to Brisbane and inspect close Trainer is on the move. weeks the lucky girl gets to travel with the to 98% of the yearlings that will be offered up One of the nicest things about being on the Lady Trainer and learn the ropes. I love at the Magic Millions. Most stud owners try road is the delectable treats we are served at working with these young passionate types. I and resist me and my team’s the studs. Everything from lamb chops, to pea can get in their ear early and the industry as urgings to see the babies so early. “They can’t soup to all the biscuits, scones and cakes that a whole will continue to benefit with the in- walk properly yet” or “they are still so wool- the Nolan’s of Raheen Stud, Queensland serve jection of youth into the ranks. It is truly one ly” are the two most heard excuses; but this up. I must say a yearling looks much better of the greatest things about being a trainer in is exactly when I want to see them. The ones after a tit bit or two of the delicious treats that meeting the young intelligent racing people. that have exploded from this phase to become are on offer! They are the future. superb types are the ones I will bid on at the The camaraderie between all the members of Magic Millions. the yearling inspection team is another part Speak next month. Au revoir. ▣ www.gaiwaterhouse.com.au 9 Pic by Lisa Grimm Photography

A Dream Come True

By Zeb Armstrong Irish born Fiorente ( x Desert Bloom) by a German sire and out of an Irish mare took just 3 minutes and 20 seconds to rocket into Australian racing folklore with a tremendous win in the 2013 Melbourne Cup: a race that has been widely described as the best race ever run in Australia.

he race was so good purely due to the immortal or a very highly regarded champion. At last in a highly talented field to run a great third. depth of runners and the remarkable his first Australian start, in the Melbourne Cup of It was evident on this day that Fiorente had fully number of extremely well performed 2012, Fiorente put the writing on the wall that he acclimatised in Australia and that he would be horses that were engaged. The race was potentially a future winner of the Cup. This perfectly suited by just the one autumn run then be containedT more winners than the Prix performance was based on just two weeks of Gai aimed squarely for the first Tuesday in November. de l’Arc de Triomphe that was run and won a few Waterhouse polish so with more time under the eye That brings us to this year’s spring and the stallion weeks ago. of Gai, Fiorente was always going to be better in his has not put a foot wrong. He is the perfect horse Fiorente joins the likes of Carbine and Phar Lap second and third Australian preparations. to train according to Gai in that he works hard, he as horses that have placed in the Melbourne Cup, First up in the autumn, after his rest from the obeys the Lady Trainer’s way, and he puts in 100% then come back the next year to win the race. This Spring carnival, and on a very Lloyd Williams-like effort at each and every start he has. He has now had achievement has only been done a handful of times preparation, Gai threw Fiorente into the sprinter’s just the seven starts in Australia, has never finished in the 153 year history of the Melbourne Cup and All-Aged Stakes at Group One level. This race far from the winner (or won himself) and earned every horse that has achieved it has either been an is run over 1400m and Fiorente stormed from around $5 million dollars for his connections.

10 www.gaiwaterhouse.com.au e can go on with it too because he best stayer in the land, the wonderful to imports coming into the stable - Bonfire, Tryout and has clearly got better since arriving beat the three-year-old. Nothin’ Leica Dane is one Greatwood. to Australia and he may even be of the last three-year-olds to have run in the Cup. Fiorente’s win in the 2013 Cup will be remembered well placed to do something extra In fact a three-year-old has not won the Cup since for all the right reasons. The favourite beat a Hspecial at his next preparation. It will be hard to win Skipton won the 1941 Cup during the early stages globetrotting English horse in the rock hard Red back to back Cups due to a probable huge weight of War World II. Nothin’ Leica Dane was brave Cadeaux, with another brilliant English horse who increase next year, but there are plenty of other races and fought hard and was slightly unlucky to run went to the post as the Cup favourite in Mt Athos, in Fiorente can win. However now we have the very second. Then after checking through customs and third place. All three placegetters were proven over tempting increased prize money at Randwick in spending the minimum time possible in quarantine, 3200m on the first Tuesday in November, and all the autumn, the Queen Elizabeth Stakes, coupled Fiorente jumped out of the ground late in the 2012 three ran to their best. Luckily for us, Fiorente’s best with Gai Waterhouse herself. In her first season of Melbourne Cup, thus giving Gai her third second was ever so slightly better than the best efforts of the other two. Let’s not forget the champion comeback hoop Damien Oliver either. His ride was terrific. “Fiorente’s win in the 2013 Cup will be re- This story has it all. membered for all the right reasons. The Congratulations to the owners of Fiorente. The humble author of this very article enjoyed a beer favourite beat a globetrotting English Horse with many of you at Gai’s Flemington Stables in the rock hard Red Cadeaux, with another on Sunday and the excitement on your faces was brilliant English horse who went to the post priceless. The scenes in the grandstand in the immediate aftermath of the race showed a petite as the cup favourite.....” Lady Trainer cheering her heart out, and smiling and screaming ladies and gentlemen all scrambling to training, Gai saddled up Te Akau Nick at 160-1 to placing. But now the Lady Trainer is a Melbourne hug whoever was closest. These emotions showed run a great second in the 1993 Melbourne Cup. It Cup winner and with the commencement of Gai exactly what the win meant to you all and there is no took the immortal Irish stayer to get Living the Dream there is no way Gai will be doubt that Fiorente has brought together people from past Te Akau Nick that day. In 1995, three days slowing down. She would have already started her different parts of life to become lifelong friends. Well after beating Octagonal in the VRC Derby, Gai sent 2014 Melbourne Cup train of thought and who done to everyone involved with Fiorente, everyone the then three-year-old Nothin’ Leica Dane to the would bet against her? from Gai Waterhouse Racing and anyone who had Melbourne Cup. He was 20-1 and it took clearly the On top of that, she has the three new English faith and backed Fiorente - The Parachute Horse.▣

All conquering Damien Oliver coming back to scale Pic by Lisa Grimm Photography Pic by

A playful Fiorente getting a Fiorente with best Friend and strapper taste of his prize Des Fisher Pic by Mark Gatt Pic by

www.gaiwaterhouse.com.au 11 RECENT WINNERS Fiorente may have been the highlight of our Spring Carnival campaign, however the rest of the stable certainly hasn’t slowed down this preparation with more winners joining the ranks of Tulloch Lodge success stories.

Our Boy Nicholas (More Than Ready-Presenting)

SCHWEPPES PLATE 1550m

Congratulations to owners Gerry Harvey and Segenhoe Stud

Dream Empress (Holy Roman Emperor-Every Dream )

IBIS STYLES LANSVALE SPECIALS FOR ATC SPRINT 1100m

30 October 2013

Congratulations to Star owners Paul Kevin, Phillip Vanney, Keith Farrell, Rhonda Hall, John and Joan Leggett, Michael Townsend, Doreen He- aney, Ian Halliday, Tracy Vogel

12 www.gaiwaterhouse.com.au Aztec Rose (Sebring-Dream The Dream)

MAIDEN PLATE 1500m 24 October 2013

Congratulations to Adam Mackrell, Richard De- whurst, Matthew Feary of Bell View Park Stud

Vitello ( Snitzel-Samal)

BUILT. HANDICAP 1800m 5 November 2013

Bangaloe Stud (Mgr: J C Ritchie), Mrs S A Olive, Mrs E M Wood, Mrs L B Stracey, Mrs G Gibson, Mrs D M Nolan, Ms J A Elson-Green, Miss K Waterhouse, Miss C E Back- house & Miss M F Crawley

Lucand Star (-Baranbali )

3YO CLASS 1 HANDICAP 1000m 5 November 2013

Congratulations to owner Andrew Bolton and family.

www.gaiwaterhouse.com.au 13 Gai’s Graduates Are Off To A Darley Flying Start

Emma Pearce, the current Assistant Racing Manager at Tulloch Lodge, speaks of her time at the revered Darley Flying Start program

By Emma Pearce

reland, England, the USA, Australia ferent countries. Sheikh Mohammed’s vision with many graduates. Gai made the comment, and Dubai are just a few stops on the is, “Committed industry leaders working in “The Darley Flying Start students are the Darley Flying Start trainees’ global existing and emerging thoroughbred markets crème de la crème. They are selected already tour of the thoroughbred industry. I contributing to the long term success of the by an astute panel, and are intelligent and wasI lucky enough to have been a part of the industry.” from varied backgrounds. They are young, 2011-2013 intake and to have reaped many My own graduation from the program coin- enthusiastic and a pleasure to work with.” of the life changing benefits that the program cided with the Ten Year Reunion and high- For me, some of the most memorable provides. lighted the success of the program with many moments were during my placements. In Darley Flying Start is a graduate level man- graduates in attendance who had already June 2012, I began a six week placement agement program for the thoroughbred indus- reached great heights in their careers. One with TVG, one of the racing channels over try which focuses on educating trainees in ev- such name is Henry Field who established in America. I was based in California and ery aspect of the industry, to include, practical Newgate Farm in the Hunter Valley only five lived with Christina Olivares, who at the time horse management, business management, years after graduating as the youngest trainee was one of the presenters for the channel, thoroughbred industry lectures, visits and in the ten year history of the program. Kate and her husband Dan Blacker. Dan gradu- work placements. Twelve people from across Grimwade, who many may remember as ated from Darley Flying Start in 2007 and the world are carefully selected from scores Gai’s Racing Manager, was also in attendance now trains, very successfully, at Hollywood of applicants annually and are provided with and is now acting as Darley’s Pre-Training Park in California. I saw everything from the a full scholarship, enabling them to study and Manager in Newmarket, England. presenting to the producing, the research, the experience many facets of the thoroughbred For me, the most intriguing and enticing part management of the company and I even spent industry globally, at the highest level. of Darley Flying Start was the worldwide some time with Betfair who purchased TVG In Australia, the brand ‘Darley’ is synon- network of contacts that it provides you with. in 2009. ymous with the hugely successful maroon The program does not assure graduates a job In November 2012, as previously mentioned, and white silks carried by champions such as but it does give each and every individual the I spent three weeks at Gai Waterhouse Rac- Sepoy, Helmet and Guelph. HH Sheikh Mo- best possible chance, with work placements ing. We had been based in the Hunter Valley hammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Ruler throughout the two years, introductions to for nearly three months, working with mares of Dubai and Vice President of the UAE, is industry leaders, employment workshops, and foals, yearlings, two-year-olds, stallions the man behind the maroon and white silks, the growing reputation of the program and and with the farming team looking after the and the man behind Darley Flying Start. The perhaps most importantly, the global network vast acreage at Woodlands. While foaling program is his brain-child and will be one of of alumni. mares outside and castrating calves were his greatest lasting legacies with graduates Gai is a huge supporter of Darley Flying brand new, eye-opening experiences, coming working on every continent, across 20 dif- Start and has worked directly or indirectly back to a training yard was an exciting 14 www.gaiwaterhouse.com.au prospect for me. With much of the time spent 1 King George and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, Rule Book and some may know of them inspecting yearlings, I had to readjust my ‘eye and Petrushka a multiple Group 1 winner through our most recent purchases over in for a good horse’ to the Australian way. In who eventually sold for a then, world record England, Bonfire and Greatwood, which are Europe a finer, longer, leaner, middle distance price of $5.25 million. I was lucky enough two of the three horses bought by Gai through type horse is desirable, in Australia responses to be with Highclere during Royal Ascot and bloodstock agents this year. such as “too light of bone” and “needs time” was therefore able to attend on two of the five These were a memorable three weeks and I were often banded around yearlings by Euro- days. Some of you may know Highclere as look forward to celebrating once again with pean stallions. the syndicators of the Gai Waterhouse trained Highclere owners, but this time in Australia.

rom January to March of this year Gary Hennessey we were in Dubai and I spent every morning at the Dubai Racing Channel. This was fantastic as it wasF the build up to the Dubai World Cup and I was given the opportunity to create my own features from the research stages all the way to production. I conducted my first inter- view with Cox Plate winning trainer Gary Hennessy which was broadcast in the days leading up to the World Cup and I was even given the opportunity to go camel racing in one of the 4 x 4s that follows them around the track. I am not sure that I was watching the camels as much as the other cars that we were millimetres away from sideswiping. Finally, in June 2013 I spent three weeks with Highclere Racing. Highclere is the pre- mier syndicator in the UK and has had a great deal of success with the likes of Harbinger, an astonishing 11 length winner of the Group

Godolphin Racing Manager John Ferguson presenting Emma with her Diploma. Former graduate and now TV presenter Gina Bryce (centre) is watching on

www.gaiwaterhouse.com.au 15 Emma Pearce (2011 – 2013) his race riding education and experience. He has now been here for Age: 24 less than a month and is having the time of his life. Education: BSc in Human Bioscience from Exeter University. Why Flying Start? Where is home? I have loved horseracing my whole life, for obvious reasons, but hav- I am from Newmarket in England, although I now call Sydney home. ing seen how tough the industry can be from my parent’s own experi- Newmarket is an iconic town that is steeped in horseracing history; it ences, I always knew that I needed to have a good level of education to is the ‘Home of Horseracing’. With stables tucked behind buildings fall back on. As I progressed through my degree, it became more and lining the high street, two racecourses, over 3000 racehorses, over more obvious that the white coats and safety goggles were not for me sixty thoroughbred stud farms and one in every three jobs being related and horseracing was my passion. I felt that Flying Start could bridge to horseracing, it truly is a town like no other. the gap between education and hands on work and provide me with opportunities that would have never been available otherwise. Background: As is standard practise in Newmarket, my parents train racehorses and How did you end up at Gai’s Stable? they are both ex jockeys, my mother on the flat and my father over In each of the five countries we visit as part of program, we are able to jumps. My mother was Champion amateur jockey many times over complete a work placement of between 3 and 6 weeks. When starting and rode for the likes of John Gosden, Sir , the late Sir the course, I knew that I wanted to be involved in communications, Henry Cecil and, to bring it full circle, Sheikh Mohammed. My brother possibly as a Racing Manager, so Gai Waterhouse Racing seemed the Simon followed in their footsteps and became a jockey after finishing obvious place to spend my 3 weeks. After yearling inspections in the his education at the ripe ‘old age’ of 19. As the 2013 season came to a Hunter Valley and Queensland, hands on work in Lodge close, he decided he would spend the winter here in Australia to further and mornings at the track, I knew I wanted to come back. That was exactly a year ago.

The 10 year reunion of Darley Flying Start Pic by Bradley Photography Adrian Bott (2010 – 2012) Adrian Bott

Age: 26 Education: I went to boarding school here in Sydney, at Riverview, and then did a Bachelor of Design Computing at Sydney University.

Where is home? I live in Coogee at the moment.

Background: I grew up in Scone in the Hunter Valley, on the old Segenhoe Stud where my father worked. After University, I worked as a steward with Racing NSW for a year.

Why Flying Start? I always wanted to work in the thoroughbred in- dustry and knew that Darley Flying Start would give me the best start, as it provides such a varied experience and great network of contacts across the world.

How did you end up at Gai’s Stable? I did my placement during the Australian phase of the course with Hong Kong Jockey Club but we spent a morning at the track with Gai during our time here. After the conclusion of the course I was introduced to Gai’s stable through James Harron. Gai was looking for an Assistant Racing Manager at the time and it seemed like an ideal opportunity to work with one of the very best in the business. I’ve been at Gai’s for over a year now and recently took up the position of Racing Manager.

16 www.gaiwaterhouse.com.au BUY THE BEST

MOIR STAKES Gr.1 MEMSIE S. Gr.1 CAUFIELD S. Gr.1 COX PLATE Gr.1 SAMAREADY ATLANTIC JEWEL SHAMUS AWARD Lot 29 x Samar Lot 525 x Regard Lot 540 x Sunset Express

Vinery Stud has rich tradition of raising, breeding and selling Australian Champions. For bloodstock advice you can trust, talk to the number 1 thoroughbred nursery in Australia. Selling the first crop of U.S Champion First Season Sire Congrats in 2014.

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Call Peter Orton, Adam White or Conor Phelan 02 6543 8333 | vinery.com.au Tessa with Street Cry x Flower Fairy as a foal

Tessa Hetherington (2012 – Current trainee)

Age: 34 Education: BA in Law from Cambridge University & Master of Laws from Harvard Law School.

Where is home? I am from a village called Mortimer near Newbury in the UK.

Background: Before starting Darley Flying Start I worked as a barrister in Lon- don, practising primarily in human rights and civil liberties law.

Why Flying Start? After seven years as a barrister I decided that there must be more to life than spending all day everyday reading documents and that it was time to reengage with my true love – horses. I have worked with show horses since I was a child and have been interested in racing ever since my father took me to evening meetings at New- bury racecourse after school. I found out about Flying Start while researching about careers in racing on the internet and at first assumed that I was far too old (!) but having attended a short course at the British Racing School, was encouraged to apply. The course has given me unparalleled exposure to all aspects of breeding and training the thoroughbred and an amazing set of con- tacts. Before I started the course, I had never seen a live foaling (let alone assisted with one), broken in a yearling or trimmed a horse’s foot. Now I have done all of those things and many more.

How did you end up at Gai’s Stable? I am most interested in the training side of the industry and doing my work placement in Australia with Gai was an obvious choice. She has a legendary reputation, both as a trainer and as a force within the industry. She is extremely generous with her time and keen to pass on her vast knowledge and experience to new people. At the end of the course I am likely to look for a position in a large training operation as I am keen to get more hands on experience. It may be that in due course, I might be involved in the policy/regula- Tessa with Desert Song tory sphere but for the time being, I would much rather be working with horses directly. 18 www.gaiwaterhouse.com.au

Bombaderry Boy bounces into Town

Dane Robinson is from a long line of Racing people. He tells us how that line extended to the doorstep of Tulloch

Lodge. ooking back it was always going to be difficult for me to pursue a career in another industry. My Dane with Fiorente after “L pedigree would not allow it. Both my sire his Melbourne Cup win and dam line have had involvement in racing dating back two generations. As Tom Waterhouse so reminds us, it’s “in my blood”. Most notably was my grandfather Kevin Robinson, a Harold Park Hall of Fame induct- ee for his contribution to the harness racing industry during the 1960s and 70s. “Poppy Kev” was best known for his techniques in rehabbing injured horses at Seven Mile Beach on the Shoalhaven Heads coastline and is still one of the few trainers to win at the top level with standards and .

“I’ll always re- member ruining my Business Studies class every Friday by studying the form guide and of- fering Saturday’s racing tips to the class.....“

His sole Group 1 thoroughbred winner, Kenbelle, saluted in the 1996 AJC Oaks, and before that he had taken out the 1968 Inter-do- minion Pacing Championship with First Lee. After Kevin’s sad passing in 2005, my father - and eldest of Kevin’s 12 children (you should see our Christmas parties!) - took up

20 www.gaiwaterhouse.com.au Dane strapping Ledger

the context of my involvement in it and find- “I still pinch myself on occasions when ing the right opportunity. nter Gai Waterhouse Racing... on the phone to people like Doug A finance assistant’s position offered Bollinger...... It really is quite surreal Evia Racing Jobs only months after my graduation... Too good to be true, and I still shake my sometimes.....” head at the timing of it all. Not only do I now gain experience in a related field to my degree, but get to achieve this in one of Australia’s leading stables the reins at Regal Lodge stables along with School, where I was elected School Captain in and report the work I do in accounts directly to Gai the help of my uncle Anthony and aunty Anne my final year (my brother and two sisters were herself. I still pinch myself on occasions when on Maree, who are still enjoying good success also School Captains of Bomaderry High – the phone to people like Doug Bollinger (Australian along Seven Mile Beach. Mum and Dad have a great strike rate!) cricket representative) discussing his account, or am My mum’s father, Max Cracknell, was also I’ll always remember ruining my Business out in the tower at Randwick helping Gai and team heavily involved in the racing game as a Studies class every Friday by studying the clocking track work. It really is quite surreal at times. heavy weight rider around the Sydney, Bris- form guide and offering Saturday’s racing All this and I still get to sneak off to the races at bane region, and he also spent a lot of time tips to the class. My teacher loved it though times to strap for Dad and the family. in South East Asia riding. Mum was actually and I managed to sell him a 20% share in The sense of history at Gai Waterhouse Racing is born in Kuala Lumpur, and loves telling me one of Dad’s yearlings at the time, called also what attracted me to this position, much like the old stories about Max and his cousins, Blow’emover. He actually won his first start at my own family history. In the six months that I have some of whom used to ride work for the great Kembla Grange reimbursing my teacher more been at Gai Waterhouse Racing I have managed T.J. Smith back in the day... It really is a small than his purchase price. I finished top of the to meet and work with some of the extraordinary world. year for that class! I have a sneaky suspicion people who keep the place going and got to be a Although completely submerged into the this had something to do with it. small part of the team that helped celebrate Gai’s first industry, it wasn’t until 15 that I started to My days studying Commerce at the Uni- Melbourne Cup win (the first of many!). generate an interest in horses, and began versity of Wollongong, majoring in Finance From this experience I hope that by the end of my working as a stable hand for Dad and Pop. and Marketing, were much the same as high time with Gai I will have learnt the ins and outs Slowly but surely I became addicted to the school. I would regularly skip class to go to of what it takes to run a successful business in the thrill of winning, particularly for those horses the races with Dad, or be on the farm or at thoroughbred industry, so that in time to come I will that carry the Robinson racing silks, of white yearling sales with Bell View Park Stud. In be in a position to introduce others to experience with the pale blue diamond! my graduating year of 2012, I knew that I was the same thrills that I get from watching one of the My involvement continued to grow in be- always going to end up in the thoroughbred family horses win, and maintain some of the legacy tween my remaining years at Bomaderry High industry. It was just a matter of discovering left behind by KJ and Dad. ▣

www.gaiwaterhouse.com.au 21 HORSES, FRIENDSHIP AND YEARLING INSPECTIONS

By Lea Stracey

ike many young girls, I used to owning a horse would in my later life become my hand and said, “write down everything I dream of owning my own horse a passion and a reality or that I would one say.” That was 20 years or so ago and the rest and he was to be a black stallion, day share in the thrill of owning a share in a is history. I was hooked! I became a constant just like Fury. My favourite thing winner – Descarado, and then, shadow at the yearling sales and was able to wasL to stay with my grandmother who lived an even bigger thrill, of owning a share in observe both TJ and Gai at first hand. The in Avenue, Kensington. The reason a Melbourne Cup winner – Fiorente – both learning curve was fast and steep and I have for this was so that I could race to the lounge trained not only by my best friend but also enjoyed and continue to enjoy every moment room window at 4.30am after being awakened the daughter of the man whose horses I so as Gai’s “scribe” (as she calls me). by the clip clop of horse’s hooves. I would admired…. Whilst there are several sale times through- part the white terylene curtains and stare at Gai and I met in maternity classes and be- out any given year, the most important ones the majestic silhouettes of TJ’s horses that came firm friends when our first borns came for yearlings that Gai attends are the Magic had walked down from his Kensington Road into this world half an hour apart, on the same Millions on the Gold Coast in January and the stables and on to Randwick Race Course. I day, in the same hospital, across the corridor Inglis Easter Yearling Sales at Newmarket, would then return to bed only to race back at from each other. Our second children followed Randwick. Before these sales, Gai, her Rac- around 6.30am this time to the front gate and a year later. Our first family holiday together ing Manager, usually a “Flying Start” student stare at them clip clopping back again. was on the Gold Coast (where else?) where and I pile into Gai’s car and travel around the Little did I know then that this dream of Gai took me to the sales, put a catalogue in countryside of the East of Australia from

22 www.gaiwaterhouse.com.au country Victoria through to NSW and on to Queensland – anywhere, in fact, that a year- ling can be found. Gai likes to see as many horses as she can which can number 700-1000 before sale time. As Gai says, she likes “to get them in my mind” before the sales begin. Gai and the team then look at them again at the Sales complex. Gai likes to see if the yearlings have made progress in that time. If they have, then clearly they are coping with the pressures of the yearling preparation and are more likely to be precocious, early runners. earling inspection time can be frenetic – there is much to see, to discuss, to document. Gai’s normal day continues while we Ydrive from stud to stud. Her mobile phone is on permanent charging as she speaks with clients, the vet, office staff and fore- men. She goes through her track flashes and the planning of work lists for the horses in training. The list of jobs is endless. Sitting in the back seat of the car and listening to Gai as she goes through her paces is an education “Little did I know then that this dream of in multi-tasking and time management. One can learn a lot from our Lady Trainer and owning a horse would in my later life be- not just about the horse either! Of course come a passion and a reality.....” the opportunity to meet and interact with the farm owners or breeders, or their management want when we want. The spaces in which to however, that Gai can be very forgiving staff is wonderful and a valuable exercise in see the horses become smaller as everyone when it comes to conformation as long as the communication and the sharing of ideas and jostles to see the yearlings parade. By now horse is structurally sound. She might accept thoughts. The camaraderie in the horse world Randwick Equine Centre Veterinarian Greg something that another may not. Gai has been is infectious. The wonderful thing about Nash has joined the team, seeing every horse fortunate enough to have inherited her father’s this industry I think, is that because you are and checking any query that may have arisen “eye for a horse”, to see what others cannot. dealing with nature there is much sensitivity in the team’s inspections. We become a fam- That is something you cannot teach. This amongst horse people, a oneness and an un- ily that eats and works together and together “eye” for the choosing of a horse has provided derstanding. Coming from outside this world with Denise Martin of Star Thoroughbreds we Gai with champion horses that others had re- and now being part of it is simply so special. brainstorm and make a list of the horses we jected – the Triple Crown Winner Dance Hero I spend many hours planning the stud tours so wish to target at the sales. Gai fondly refers to for example, and Sebring who was passed in that our days are balanced and not too taxing. this process as “the birthing process.” and consequently purchased by Gai and of A trip to the Hunter Valley for example can I know that the burning question from you, course the fabulous Pierro – all three were take four to five days. We are on the road the reader, might be - “what is it that Gai Golden Slipper Winners and coincidentally all around 7.30am and usually return around looks for in a yearling?” I will tell you what three purchased at the Magic Million Sales. 5.30pm, only to regroup, discuss our thoughts I know…. Gai likens it to when a boy sees a Our yearling inspections have already started on what we have seen, have dinner and start pretty girl. He knows she is pretty. No one for the 2014 Magic Millions Sale. By the time all over again the next day. Coffee stops for has to tell him that! It is the same with Gai. you receive Gai’s Gazette, Gai and the Team morning and afternoon teas and lunches usu- She firstly looks at the overall picture of the will have almost completed our first round of ally provided by generous stud farms are very horse and looks for the positives. She lets inspections. We have already identified some important and necessary parts of the day to the horse walk and watches while its essence cracking youngsters and are eagerly look- keep our energy levels high! I can share with as she says “flows over me. I look at what I ing forward to the thrill of securing Tulloch you that Gai is the master of the power nap. I can live with if the horse is not perfect. No Lodge’s next Champions of the Turf. envy her this skill, as every time she takes one horse is perfect. I look for the athlete.” Gai I am indeed a lucky lady! she bounces back like the “energizer bunny” also looks at its attitude. Is it a horse that will My dream of owning a black stallion like and takes us along with her. accept what she gives it in her approach to Fury came true (well, Fiorente is almost black The week or so leading up to the actual training? If she “throws the ball” so to speak, and his name starts with an “F”!) I’m proud to auctions is very busy. There are many owners, will the horse be able to “bat it straight back?” say I work in the horse industry, specifically trainers, bloodstock agents, and breeders all in Obviously, a horse’s conformation is im- inspecting yearlings and I do that with my best the mix trying to find that elusive champion. portant. There are many books that describe friend. We do not have the luxury of seeing what we an ideal conformation. It is my observation, Surely, it can’t get any better? ▣

www.gaiwaterhouse.com.au 23 Gai Waterhouse and the Magic Millions

In the history of the Magic Millions Sales and Races there has never been a greater patron than Gai Waterhouse.

By Zeb Armstrong

Gai with Lea Stracey on her annual yearling inspections in the Hunter Valley

n the entire history of the Magic Mil- walks of life that have a common love of the year. There is also the $1,000,000 Magic Mil- lions sales and races, there has never thoroughbred. The Magic Millions is a unique lions three-year-old Guineas, and the $500,000 been a greater patron than Gai Water- sale in that there is a special race meeting Magic Millions Cup. Also available is the house. Every year at the Gold Coast connected to the multiple days of sales that $250,000 Sprint, and Stayers Cup of the same MagicI Millions sales and the superb race only horses that were purchased at the Magic value, plus a $200,000 Fillies and Mares race, meeting that accompanies the sales, Gai is a Millions are eligible to run in. and two $100,000 races that are a Maiden force both in the sale ring and as a trainer at These are not just regular races either. They Plate and a Class 6 Plate. the races. are some of the richest races in Queensland Gai has won the two-year-old Classic on four Gai is regularly one of, if not, the biggest and indeed in Australia. The major race is the occasions: the year 2000 saw Gai win this buyers at the sales and if anyone has ever seen Magic Millions two-year-old Classic, it is race for the first time and the horse was the her on the Gold Coast, they will tell you that worth $2 million and is run over 1200m - but outstanding multiple Group One winning As- the Lady Trainer runs around like a woman - it is not the only reason so many good horses sertive Lad (Zeditave x Sommes Sound). Gai possessed bringing together people from all make the trip back to the Gold Coast every also won the following year in 2001 with

24 www.gaiwaterhouse.com.au

another Group One winner in Excellerator Pic by Bradley Photography (Marscay x Artless). In 2004 Gai won this wonderful race again with the only horse to ever win the Magic Millions two-year-old Classic and the Sydney Triple Crown for juveniles, the $3.9 million earner Dance Hero (Danzero x Gypsy Dancer). In 2012 Gai roared to success again, this time with the Star Thoroughbreds Driefontein ( x Follow Gold). Gai’s four Magic Millions two-year-old Classic wins is a record and the Lady Trainer does not even look like slowing down with several hugely promising youngsters currently being put through their paces on their way to the Gold Coast for the 2014 edition of this great race. One of the most unique things about Gai’s four winners of the Magic Millions feature is Driefontein the fact that all four went on with the job after winning the race. Being set to win a $2 mil-

lion race as a two-year-old in January can take Pic by Bradley Photography a lot out of a horse, but Gai’s four winners of this great race have all gone on to win feature races after their Magic Millions win. Assertive Lad came back in the autumn after his Magic Millions win to place in the Group 1 Golden Slipper and win the Group 1 Sires’ Produce Stakes and the Champagne Stakes; then the following year he won the Group 1 among other feature races. Excellerator placed in the Slipper after win- ning the 2001 Magic Millions then as an older horse he won the Group 1 and plenty of other Group and Listed races. The great Dance Hero won the two-year-old Triple Crown in Sydney in the autumn follow- ing his Magic Millions success. In these three wins, Dance Hero beat the likes of superstars Fastnet Rock and in what was a won- Pierro derful two-year-old crop. He then, as an older horse, competed against the best sprinters in Australia and on Derby Day 2006, the son of Danzero won the Group 1 Salinger Sprint Pic by Bradley Photography beating in the process. Star Thoroughbreds’ Driefontein is still well and truly in work as a four-year-old mare. The daughter of Fastnet Rock won the Group 3 Sheraco Stakes first up this time in, and at the time of print, she is flying and on track heading towards the big summer races on the Gold Coast. Gai’s success at the Magic Millions is not limited to the two-year-old Classic either. She has also won the $1 million Magic Millions Guineas twice; once with the outstanding Ha Ha ( x Very Droll) in 2002 and with Biaggio (Zeditave x Gay Rossina) in 2003. Gai has also won the Magic Millions Cup with Theseo (Danewin x Ozone Sand) in 2008, and the last two Stayers’ Cups with Star Thoroughbreds’ Kinnersley (Al Maher x Miss Excellerator Radiant) in 2013 and before that Kontiki Park (Thorn Park x Pretty Special) in 2012.

26 www.gaiwaterhouse.com.au LOMAR PARK STUD

ongratulations Gai on the C Cup.....Wow! Lomar Park have been successful Breeders and Vendors at major yearling sales for over 45 years

Breeder of numerous Group One winners

Inspection invited of our yearling drafts for 2014 Magic Million Yearling Sale & 2014 Victorian Premier Sale

LOMAR PARK STUD ENQUIRIES: FRED PEISAH [email protected] 0418 408 804

www.gaiwaterhouse.com.au11

Layouts needing page numbers.indd 11 11/21/2013 1:10:38 PM Pic by Bradley Photography

Dance Hero

Cont..... about Gai and her success at the Magic Mil- are Aussies Love Sport (Redoute’s Choice x Then there are the sales. lions races and sales is that, The Lady Trainer, Miss Jakeo) and Divine Calling (Stratum x The sales ring at the Magic Millions is a jam- has never wavered in her passion for this Rubicall). packed amphitheatre full of trainers, inves- annual event. This is evident by the amount These above mentioned horses are just the tors, racing fans and a great deal of folks who of quality Magic Millions graduates that are tip of the iceberg in regards to the number of have wandered over to the ring after the races. in work at Tulloch Lodge right now. This list budding superstars Gai has under her control This all makes for sensational action and very includes: Bull Point (Fastnet Rock x Rose of that were purchased at the Magic Millions. competitive bidding. It has been discussed Cimmaron); Sweet Idea (Snitzel x Flidais); There have been hundreds more that have many times in different formats just how good Pitcrew (Sebring x Pine Away); Sugar Rush come and gone and perhaps dozens more still Gai is at identifying quality thoroughbreds at (More Than Ready x Sugar Babe), and recent calling Tulloch Lodge home that are currently a very early age. In recent years at the Magic Star Thoroughbreds Breeders’ Plate winners getting ready for their next preparation or millions, as well as all the above mentioned Whittington (Tale Of The Cat x Maha Chakri) even their next race. superstars, Gai has purchased Group 1 and Law (Denman x Lady Cat). The next Magic Millions Sales extravaganza winners such as Cheeky Choice (Redoute’s starts on 8 January 2014 and should you pop Choice x Christchurch), Sebring (More Than lso purchased by Gai at the in, don’t be surprised if you see a Melbourne Ready x Purespeed), Rock Kingdom (Rock Magic Millions were recent Cup winning Lady Trainer buzzing around, of Gibraltar x Happy Empress), Once Were Melbourne Cup week success bringing people together and generally having Wild (Johannesburg x Wildesong) and Pierro stories - the Star Thoroughbreds’ a whale of a time. But when a yearling walks (Lonhro x Miss Right Note). There have also QueenstownA (Stratum x Regal Heights) and in that Gai has inspected months before and been literally hundreds of Black Type winners Star Thoroughbreds’ Equator (Northern Mete- she feels has really ‘come on’ then there is a that have been successfully sought after and or x Sun Maid). Two other horses purchased better than good chance that this particular then purchased by Gai at this intriguing sale. by Gai at the Magic Millions that have recent- thoroughbred will join the team at Tulloch Another truly fascinating discussion point ly performed well in the feature spring races Lodge. ▣

28 www.gaiwaterhouse.com.au www.gaiwaterhouse.com.au 29 2013 Yearling purchase Man of Distinction

YEARLING SELECTION 30 www.gaiwaterhouse.com.au An Important Part of the Process

By Dr Greg Nash of the Randwick Equine Centre

he path to choosing a yearling from Clinical examination involves an assessment a yearling sale starts months before of the horse’s heart, eyes, mouth and skin, as the sale itself. well as for evidence of previous injury, for any A visit to the stud where the abnormal swellings in the joints of the lower yearlingT has been reared is ideal to view limbs and in colts for the presence of both the horse in its own environment. This is to testicles in the scrotum. evaluate the development of an individual The significance of changes to the lower horse prior to the sales. limbs observed in the examination of a Another important aspect of selection criteria yearling can be further evaluated by the is pedigree analysis to highlight successful review of radiographs. The vendor of each nicks and prepotence for ability to win. This yearling will submit a set of radiographs incorporates an analysis of the performance of taken within 42 days of the sale that can be previous progeny from the mare. viewed by registered veterinary surgeons. The yearlings are examined at the sales The veterinarian will review the radiographs complex for conformation, temperament and and classify the findings as “low to high a limited clinical examination is performed risk” for the yearling to develop a condition on each horse. The yearling is observed that may potentially affect its future racing walking to assess stride length and fluency of performance. They also allow the trainer and movement. The yearling’s ability to turn at the veterinarian to manage any changes noted on end of the walk is also important. the radiographs. An all round examination of the yearling is made to assess balance and shape of all four The information gained from the assessment limbs. Forelimbs can be offset from the knee, of a yearling’s pedigree, conformation, toed in or out from the fetlock, rotated or back physical examination and their radiographic at the knee. Hind limbs can be too straight findings are collated to determine whether in conformation and toe out from the fetlock. a yearling is suitable for purchase and an Hindlimb action needs to be even as the appropriate price for the individual. horse walks in a straight line. A strong, even Following purchase, an endoscopic hindquarter with good gaskin ensures the horse examination of the upper respiratory tract has adequate drive. is conducted of each yearling at the sales A good topline is always a positive in relation complex to assess the upper airway and to a horse’s conformation with a deep girth laryngeal function. indicating adequate lung capacity. It is also A number of conditions are listed in the very important the yearling has strong hoof sales catalogue and if detected on endoscopic conformation and the old adage “no feet, no examination the purchaser is permitted to horse” is very real in the racehorse. cancel the purchase. ▣

Pic by Need For Steed Aus. www.gaiwaterhouse.com.au 31 This Year And Beyond For Melbourne Cup Hero Fiorente

By Rob Waterhouse

t must be said how Gai and I underestimated 2003. They both bolted away with the Cup.” He the importance of winning the Cup. “ The ‘correct’ tipped Fiorente a ‘good thing’ because his form line We just didn’t realise how far into the matched this criteria. stratosphere the Cup is, in the public’s mind. It campaign means Mr Williams would have added a fourth: trained in hasI almost religious significance. It is as though it is nothing if the horse is Melbourne. worth 500 Golden Slippers. Well done, Gai! not tuned to his best. Of course, the “correct” campaign means nothing I must pay Gai the wholehearted, if obvious, com- if the horse is not tuned to his best. Fiorente, which pliment that she had prepared the horse for the Cup Fiorente, which means means thriving in Italian, did thrive under Gai! We to absolute perfection. Gai had him peak precisely thriving in Italian, did all do! for his ‘Grand Final’ that first Tuesday in November. thrive under Gai! We He was tuned to the minute. So What Of The future? Apart from his physical fitness, Gai’s program all do!” for him, influenced by Lloyd Williams and Dom The owners have the job of deciding what to do Beirne, was ‘textbook’ perfect. Even Timeform’s • an abbreviated Autumn, next. expert noted, from his view in Halifax, Yorkshire: • fifth-up into the Cup and A second Melbourne Cup is the obvious aim. But “Superbly prepped”. • a ‘personal best’ immediately before the Cup: they are hard to win. Only five runners have ever My contemporary, Dominic Beirne, wrote in his “In the past 20 years, there have only been two Aus- won the Cup more than once in over 150 years. Betfair column, the day before the race that he loved tralian starters in the Melbourne Cup that satisfied all The winner’s penalty takes its toll. Green Moon, the three lead-up factors: three factors – Doriemus 1994 and 2012 winner, had to carry an extra four kilos this

32 www.gaiwaterhouse.com.au The Ascot Gold Cup 1984 by James Pollard

Source: Herald Sun. 21 June 2013. The Queen being presented with her first Gold Cup trophy

year. Ran 21st! Ascot. He says he knows Fiorente would be very breaking the “chasers’’ hearts! If the Cup were the total focus, naturally, the owners competitive in the Gold Cup and is the perfect horse A real question is what happens to his value, would repeat this year’s preparation. Very sensible. for that race. winning a Gold Cup. In the past, most Melbourne But it worries me: can Gai improve the horse more n my figures, if he can get the distance, Cup winners have been geldings, mares or owned than the handicapper’s penalty. I fear that Gai has he’ll win. I keep a database on UK/ overseas. Jeune, almost 20 years ago, was the last done too good a job this year! France/Ireland as well as Australia. to go to stud here. I don’t believe Fiorente’s value On the other hand, there are other options to consid- I ran on my computer a simulated would diminish, with a Gold Cup win. Moreover, he er. The BMW Stakes, over 2400m, on Slipper Day raceO against the last five Gold Cup winners (which would certainly become a dual hemisphere stallion, might be easy pickings, especially with most people pretends the field is far superior than what it will be). and that would increase his value. being blinded by the $4million Queen Elizabeth Fiorente comes out 13/8 favourite. The Gold Cup trophy is a personal gift of Her Maj- Stakes only two weeks later. Timeform isn’t too dissimilar to me. They have esty, the Queen, and is presented by her to the win- Then the $1million would be attractive Fiorente’s numbers superior to all the last eight win- ner’s connections to keep. (Except last year, when on Queen Elizabeth Stakes day. ners, bar Yeats. And, dare I say, I believe they under she won it herself and Prince Andrew presented it). The romantic in me says, ‘then on to the Gold Cup rate this year’s Melbourne Cup. They say Fiorente’s I know the large group who share in the ownership at Ascot!’ But is it far from silly? Melbourne Cup win is only three pounds superior would regard the adventure, more than the Mel- The Gold Cup is the highest prize money race to his Newmarket (UK) win. I say he is a different bourne Cup, as a life-changing experience. I hope at Royal Ascot. It is run under weight-for-age horse, much improved. they consider it. ▣ conditions. The extra 800m is to Fiorente’s advantage, to my I have enormous respect for Nick Smith of Royal eye. I can see Fiorente leading into the straight and [email protected]

www.gaiwaterhouse.com.au 33 The story of a horse named Fiorente By James Harron Bloodstock th July 2012 was the day that a horse our view. Joshua Tree had been beaten out of sight His trial for the Cox Plate came in the Turnbull who would go on to make history by Fiorente at Newmarket, and he was beaten only Stakes, and Fiorente was again beaten only by as the first Melbourne Cup winner a length by Japanese Champion Orfevre in the Prix circumstance, dashing home for fourth and ahead for the legendary lady trainer, Gai Foy, highlighting that Fiorente simply had an off-day. shortly after the post. In the Cox Plate itself, Fiorente 12Waterhouse, first announced himself to Australian As is often said, horses are not machines and we was undoutedly beaten by drawing barrier 15. connections. In slamming Group 1 winners Joshua were very prepared to forgive him an ordinary day at He was posted wide throughout, and had to use Tree and Red Cadeaux by almost three lengths in the the office. a tremendous amount of energy to get himself Group 2 Princess of Wales’s Stakes at Newmarket’s Ever since that day, Fiorente has never had another into a challenging position, to avoid the trouble beautiful July course, Fiorente produced a bad day at the office, and has, quite simply been the he had gotten into in his last three starts. In the performance that was quite simply out of the very dream purchase from Europe. His very first run in circumstances, it was a huge run from Fiorente to top draw, and, in form terms, the equal of many a Australia was in the greatest race of the year, and he finish as close as he did in third. Group 1. Even so, it was hard to even dream that Fiorente It was not just with his racing ability that Fiorente “It has been one of would be able to win the Melbourne Cup this past impressed that day, but the way this most handsome the most exciting weekend, such is the difficulty and racing luck of horses strolled around the paddock that really drives for anyone in- required to win the greatest race in Australia. In the marked him down as the horse we simply must event things went the way of Fiorente, the pace was secure. After lengthy consultation with Rob volved in the hand- strong and meant that the best horses came to the Waterhouse and Gai’s team, we had identified some horse named fore, and on this day the best horse was Fiorente. Fiorente as an oustanding prospect for Australia, and Fiorente.....” It’s an incredible achievement to get a horse to its that day at Newmarket he almost spoiled the whole peak on any given day, but to get Fiorente ready to thing. His performance was so impressive that it had gave everybody a huge thrill when doing so well to perform like that represents a beautiful preparation by his European connections and breeders Ballymacoll finish second to Green Moon. His second outing for Gai and all of her team and they have all performed Stud thinking of victory in Europe’s premier race, his new connections was a tremenous effort, when their task in getting this horse to the biggest race of the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, and for then at least, storming home to take third in the his life to perfection. The owners are many, but their Fiorente was still not for sale. over 1400m, demonstrating the kind of speed that uniting feature is enthusiasm, and as a bloodstock Sent over to France for the Prix Foy, Fiorente was marks a true weight-for-age galloper. Then, things agent it is the thrill of seeing winning owners so perhaps a touch disappointing in finishing fourth. didn’t go right for Fiorente in his next three starts, excited and happy that drives us forward as an This was, however, when the faith of that initial with slow paces leaving him with impossible tasks, agency to secure the very best horses for them. It has impression at Newmarket was rewarded and we though even so he managed to accomplish one of been a long road since 12th July 2012, but it has been were able to secure Fiorente after much negotiation. those impossible tasks, storming home to take the one of the most exciting drives for anyone involved The form of the French race very much supported Group 2 Dato’ Tan Chin Nam Stakes. in the handsome horse name Fiorente. ▣

Barbara McClure Rob McClure James Harron and friends

34 www.gaiwaterhouse.com.au A SPECiAl THANk yOU TO GAi FOR SHOwiNG FAiTH iN US AND BUyiNG yEARliNGS AT THE 2013 MM SAlE FROM OUR DRAFT. wE HOPE SHE FiNDS ONE OR TwO FROM OUR 2014 SElECTiON THAT will APPEAl AlSO!

124 - Ch Filly Testa Rossa (AUS) / Symileo (AUS) 340 - Br Filly Testa Rossa (AUS) / Dream and Excel (AUS) 550 - B Filly Not a Single Doubt (AUS) / Mane Chance (AUS) 594 - B Colt Sebring (AUS) / Moulin Rouge (AUS) 623 - B or Br Filly Hinchinbrook (AUS) / Opportune (AUS) 655 - B Colt Hinchinbrook (AUS) / Pozitave (AUS) Rheinwood graduate and Star Thoroughbreds’ Volutina 667 - Ch Filly Magic Albert (AUS) / Quite Astute (NZ) 823 - B Filly Tickets (AUS) / Four My Girls (AUS

“Bred in the cold... Hot on the track!”

Rheinwood PaSToRal Co iS a ThoRoughbRed STud loCaTed in MiTTagong, nSw ConTaCT: KiRSTy williS 0411866009 [email protected] www.Rheinwood.CoM.au • oR follow uS on @rheinwood www.gaiwaterhouse.com.au3

Layouts needing page numbers.indd 3 11/21/2013 3:48:11 PM Apollo NG In the Spotlight Hong Kong racecaller, breeder, owner and racing histori- an Apollo Ng caught up with another racing historian Zeb Armstrong at a recent open day at Gai’s Flemington sta- bles. The pair discussed all things racing from champion thoroughbreds to the advent of racing in South China.....

Left to Right: Natasha Kent, Apollo Ng and Gai

36 www.gaiwaterhouse.com.au www.gaiwaterhouse.com.au37 “I have also called the Cox Plate where won (1992) and a few of ’s Group One wins.....”

Q. As a race caller, breeder, also an undefeated champion and winner of vourite racing yarn (story) from owner and a bloodstock manag- the Epsom Derby, King George VI & Queen the past? er, your life appears to complete- Elizabeth Diamond Stakes and the Prix de Le A. Too many of them. I could write a book of ly revolve around racing, not just Arc D’Triomphe. I had the honour to call both 300 pages. in Hong Kong but worldwide. the Epsom Derby and the Arc live back to What is it about the sport that Hong Kong for viewers. Q. What horses from Gai’s stable drew you in in the first place? should we keep an eye on in the A. It was the flood lights during morning Q. What is the best horse you coming months? track work at Happy Valley and the tic-tac have ever owned? A. Fast Choice (Redoute’s Choice x Pravada), sound of horses walking up and down the A. I have owned a few good ones, but my won a trial by 7 lengths at Randwick. This Shan Kwong Road stable to and from the track heart will go to Amo (Danehill Dancer x gelding is closely related to Oaks and Cham- which mesmerised me as a child. I have seen Rhythm and Romance), a near black gelding pagne winner Samantha Miss. HK Champions like Australian bred Silver with a baldy face. He raced 103 times for me Lining (ex-Vintage Moon) and Co-Tack (ex- until a 10-year-old, won nearly AU$900,000 in Q. How would you compare Brash Prince) conquering the Hong Kong turf prizemoney in Hong Kong, and won the Com- Melbourne Cup week with the big in the 70s and 80s, but it was not until in the munity Chest Cup and also the hard-fought meetings in Hong Kong? mid-80s when I moved to Sydney to study and Happy Valley Million Challenge for me. Being A. It is the Cup carnival atmosphere which live at Randwick, where my passion in racing from the first crop of Danehill Dancer’s prog- fascinates me at Flemington. The food, the really took off. eny in Australia (same crop as Choisir), he’s fashion, the horses and the activities. now retired at Coolmore Stud. Q. What horses are you involved Q. China is an untouched ‘co- with right now, that are under Q. What is your role at the Hong nundrum’ in regards to wa- the care of Gai Waterhouse? Kong Racehorse Owners Associ- gering. If even one percent of A. While our best galloper Nobby Snip (Snip- ation? Chinese people bet into the petson x Pine Away) has been exported to HK, A. Honorary Secretary (Administration) Australian or Hong Kong betting Gai is now training around 10 of our horses pools, both industries would be in Australia, Fast Choice (Redoute’s Choice Q. As well as having a passion set for life. Is there any way this x Pravada), Long Shadow (Lonhro x Grand for the current racing industry, can happen? Is it starting to hap- Mosque), Able Boy (Oratorio x Cladagh), you are a bit of a scholar inter- pen? Is China the world’s racing Front Fun (Holy Roman Emperor x Front ested in the introduction of thor- industries, White Knight? Lady), Rainbow Bridge (Ekraar x Original oughbred racing in South China A. Mainland China money unofficially started Sin), Queen Invader (Henrythenavigator x dating back to the late 1700s. moving into the Hong Kong pool a few years Pace Invader) and a few unnamed two-year- Can you tell us about this? ago as both places speak and read the same olds. A. Racing in South China originated in language. But for official large scale wagering, Macau in 1798, in a place called Areia Preta I think it is still a long way to go, as the cur- Q. Why did you choose Gai for (very close to the border of China). It was the rent government is still conservative regarding your Australian interests? British instead of the Portuguese who started wagering policy and it is unlikely to change A. Her knowledge in racing and her excep- racing there. At that time, Hong Kong was in the next 5 to 10 years. I’d rather consider tional ability in communicating effectively still a fishing village under China rule, and Middle East money as the ‘White Knight’ of with owners. Of course, she also has a marvel- while the British merchants were trading in the racing industry, as most of these investors lous team of staff to assist. Canton (now Guangzhou), the wives and kids have the right concept in thoroughbred racing were not allowed to move there. It was in the and breeding. Q. What is the greatest horse Portuguese colony of Macau where the family you have ever called in a race? reunion would take place during the New Year Q. Do you have a bit of a punt? A. Quite a few. , Makybe Diva break. What else, other than racing, is a better A. Wagering… yes on a small scale. I have and Lammtarra. I have also called the Cox way to celebrate a gathering with friends and once won a 2000-1 Caulfield / Melbourne Cup Plate where Super Impose won (1992) and a families? double back in 90s. few of Better Loosen Up’s Group One wins. Q. The history of racing is very Q. How about a hit of golf? It Q. What is your favourite horse important because many of the sounds like a lot of your clients from a racing lover’s perspective, traditions that we enjoy in our might enjoy a round in between of all time? racing today are based on the race meetings. A. Lammtarra -- by the champion sire Nijin- thoughts of people that lived A. I’m most definitely not a golfer! sky out of Oaks winner Snow Bride. Himself centuries ago. What is your fa- * Interview by Zeb Armstrong

38 www.gaiwaterhouse.com.au Congratulations Gai on winning the Cup. We look forward to your visit to the farm each year to inspect our yearlings

She bought Equator from us and he is a Black Type earner already.

Join Gai at the Magic Millions this January to view our main sale draft

Lot 15 Snitzel / Redeeming Lass Filly Lot 41 Street Cry / Russeting Filly Lot 341 Commands / Dream the Dream Filly Lot 368 Snitzel / Expect to Win Filly Lot 377 Magic Albert / Fairchild Colt

Bell View Park is a picturesque boutique broodmare farm located on the south coast of NSW.

Bell View Park Stud Pty Ltd Phone: (02) 4446 0999 Fax: (02) 4446 0435 Email: [email protected] www.bellviewparkstud.com.au

Bell View Park.indd 2 11/21/2013 1:29:48 PM young Apprentice Spreads His Wings At just 17, apprentice jockey Adam Sewell has now had two race rides, helped Gai celebrate her first Melbourne Cup victory and ridden trackwork among the likes of Nash Rawiller, Neil Paine, Tommy Berry, Blake Shinn and many more household racing names

By Madison Whant dam Sewell decided to follow in his sister’s footsteps, developing Adam with Queenstown a big interest in riding horses. He following her win at Moonee Valley started out with simple trail rides andA attending pony club before finding his way to Gai’s stable at sixteen years of age. Fast-forward a couple of years and you will find him listed with Racing New South Wales, already two rides under his belt and a fully-fledged apprentice jockey for Gai with a big international career in his sights. Like many young Australians, Adam left school after completing his Year 10 Certificate and headed straight to Gai’s Tulloch Lodge stables. A stable hand and strapper in the beginning, Adam shortly graduated to riding a pony for Gai at track work in the mornings. Now, participating regularly in daily gallops and riding in all aspects of track work, Adam has certainly come a long way from the young boy being led around on a race horse by a pony under the watchful eye of Gai. Adam comes back to the stable in the afternoons to exercise the horses again, usually by swimming or walking them. He also straps his two favourite horses in the stable: Star Thoroughbreds’ Kinnersley (Al Maher x Miss Radiant), whom he “Gai’s success – especially her Melbourne describes as a good, honest horse that gives you a great feel while you’re on his back, and Group Cup triumph this year – shows that if you One winner Glencadam Gold (Refuse To Bend x stick to your dream like Gai has, in Sandrella). wanting to win the Cup, and you work on Recalling the day with humour, Adam told me the story of his first gallop, or rather, a big an unparalleled level to achieve it, then it misunderstanding with The Lady Trainer. On this will pay off.” particular day, Adam was thrown up on a horse and told to go and catch Mark Newnham – a face. Reaching the bottom of the tower however, his he credits with teaching him “a great deal in the way former champion jockey, with a 17 year working smile quickly faded into confusion as Gai expressed of riding and confidence.” relationship with Gai. Not hearing the rest of Gai’s her concern as to why he decided to gallop with Although at the time Adam found the difference instructions, Adam was unaware as he caught up Mark. between slow and fast work to be worlds apart, and with Mark that he was only to pony the former Needless to say, it was not long after that Adam spent a lot of time mastering the correct pace, now racing champion out to the track. So off Adam galloped again. This time very eager, as Gai believed he finds that speed just comes naturally to him. “You rode with Mark, working the two horses together, him ready for the task! The horse was called get the feel of the horse getting to the speed that you and returning elated, a huge smile on his Seductive Star, a horse he rode every day and a horse want, and it is then a matter of maintaining the form 40 www.gaiwaterhouse.com.au Right: Adam trialling Fastclip and pace.” Adam on Deralon at his first The maintaining of speed and momentum is one race meeting as a jockey of the hallmarks of the Waterhouse way and a very important skill for a young rider to possess. Versatility is clearly an important part of Gai’s methods. Rain, hail or shine, the horses are taught to work on any track surface, ensuring they are ready for anything that is thrown at them come race day. It seems her methods with apprentices are similar too. One of the best learning curves for Adam has been his introduction to this versatile philosophy. Also involved with the development of Gai’s yearlings, when the babies come in for their breaking in preparation, Adam regularly helps breaker Ryan Pendergast. This often involves riding them out to the sand yard, and working them around the track in small groups, for their first time. It is a challenging task, demanding a strength and fitness without the gain of extra muscle the field of horses, keeping the horse balanced and high level of concentration and confidence, as to drive his weight up. taking in as much as he could. His second ride was on these young horses are just coming to terms with dam certainly exhibits all the makings of the Graham Payne trained Ransom Moment, again the human / horse working relationship. Every a success story in this fast paced industry, running mid-field. He had the honour of this ride at baby that walks into the yard has the potential to displaying an astute appreciation for the Muswellbrook Cup meeting which is traditionally be the next Pierro or the next Black Caviar and A personal achievement and perseverance. When asked held in the iconic Hunter Valley town on Melbourne as such, they have to be treated with the utmost how it feels to be a part of a team that contributes Cup Day. care, respect and skill. With a fresh batch of two- to the history-making success of Gai, Adam said, Gai clearly has his interests in mind too, having him year-olds in the stable, Adam is now riding the “It is an exceptional feeling, because it shows that spend nearly the entire Spring Carnival at Flemington graduates regularly, in both fast and slow work. every single person that is part of the team, has put Racecourse with her Spring Carnival team, learning Adam exhibits a nurtured appreciation for hard in the hard work and it has paid off. Gai’s success the ins and outs and versatility needed, for racing work and dedication. Dedicated to a minimum of – especially her Melbourne Cup triumph this year across state lines. a four year indentured apprenticeship to a Racing – shows that if you stick to your dream like Gai Adam looks forward now to getting into his NSW licensed trainer, when you factor in the 3am has, in wanting to win the Cup, and you work on an race riding career, marking his name in the racing starts on a six day working week, and the physical unparalleled level to achieve it, then it will pay off.” community, and most importantly getting rides. “I fitness and mentality required, hard work is Wise words for a seventeen-year-old. want to concentrate on being the best rider I can be”, certainly not a new concept for Adam. A common So what now from this budding young apprentice? is what the young rider mentions when asked about obstacle among aspiring jockeys has been the Well, having just graduated to the competitive race his number one goal. If the recent Cox Plate win by maintenance of suitable weights. Although Adam arena, Adam has high hopes and a clear vision. In apprentice jockey Chad Schofield on Shamus Award is lucky enough to have the ideal, small framed September this year at Wyong Racecourse, Adam is any kind of motivation for Adam, then we no physique, he regularly sees personal trainer and rode Star Thoroughbreds’ Deralon (Lonhro x Lady of doubt can expect great things from a boy schooled Waterhouse senior rider, Chris Hargreaves, who the Valley) confidently to a mid-field finish, focusing and fine-tuned by the likes of one of Australia’s most understands the importance of Adam’s physical very carefully on simply navigating his way through successful and leading trainers. ▣ www.gaiwaterhouse.com.au 41 Gai Helps Honour A True Legend of Art lister Simpson is a master equine atmosphere of the settings. One can feel in (Danzero-Gypsy Dancer), Black Caviar (Bel artist who has been drawn to por- his paintings the thrill of the race win or the Esprit - Helsingh), and Pierro (Lonhro - Miss Atray horses for over 55 years. His tranquility of a rural scene,” enthused the Right Note), as well as an early morning association with Australia and New Zealand’s Lady Trainer. scene of Gai trackside with horse and jockey fraternity has just about reached Famous commissions by Alister down and large paintings of horses enjoying life in legendary proportions. through the ages, include a watercolour rural and seaside settings. Like Tulloch, he is originally from New of Sindebelle for the Queen Mother who Simpson’s ability to capture horses in motion Zealand, and was given his first commission purchased the Australian horse in 1980 after is one of his most extraordinary abilities – by then veteran Sydney Bookmaker Jack seeing the painting. honed from years of observation working with Waterhouse in the late 1970s. The job was Both the then Sydney Turf Club and the Vic a country vet in New Zealand and rigorous so impressive he was able to forge a 30 year study of horse anatomy. Together, the works association with the family - and in particular in this exhibition celebrate the achievements with our own Gai. of this remarkable artist and the significance He has painted many of her most successful of horseracing in Australia’s sporting life. horses. All this had led both Alister and Gai to the Sculpture Exhibition one place in November - the Mosman Art In addition to the art exhibition, there is also Gallery where Alister’s works will be placed a sculpting exhibition going on at Mosman. on display in the colourful and ambitious The Icons of Business, as it’s called, fea exhibition simply and appropriately titled: tures Gai, in her trackside finery. Made from Alister Simpson: A Brush with Horses. polychromed plaster, by Linda Klarfield, from It features over 20 paintings and drawings which the bronze bust was cast, this sculpture which combine the vibrant world of horserac- presents a relaxed image so unusual in official ing with the magnificent portrayal of highly renderings of public figures. Gai is in good prized winners. company with other icons with horse related Gai, in her introduction to the book, A Brush interests including; John Symond founder with Horses produced in 2009, explained Alis- -torian Racing Club, have, over the years, of Aussie Home Loans, media personality ter’s unique abilities. commissioned Simpson to record the cham- Alan Jones, Gerry Harvey owner of a chain “He is a wonderful artist, in that rather than pions from the Golden Slipper and Australian of retail businesses, Rod Menzies of Menzies merely recording a likeness as a camera Champion Racehorse of the Year over succes- International and Catherine Harris a success- might, he also perfectly captures the personal- sive years. ful business woman with Harris Farm markets ity and character of his horse subjects. This exhibition includes legendary superstars: and along with husband David, are keen horse “Moreover, Alister also brings to life the (Desert Sun - Songline), Dance Hero lovers and riders. ▣

You are Invited Alister Simpson artist talk Gallery Hours: Open 7 days, 10am – 5pm Sunday 19 January 2.00pm (Closed public holidays) Admission: Free. Includes aftenoon tea. Join artist Alister Simpson as he takes us through the Gallery Reception: 02 9978 4178 paintings in his exhibition A Brush with Horses to reveal Information: www.mosmanartgallery.org.au Media contact: For interviews, images and fur- anecdotes and highlights from his career. ther information please contact: Julie Petersen Where: MOSMAN ART GALLERY, cnr Art Gallery Way & Myahgah Rd, [email protected] Mosman ph: 02 9978 4186 On View: Saturday 30 November – Sun day 26 January

Bradley Photographers Contact: B 02 4868 1433 P The best way to commemorate your win 02 4868 3794 Simply register your details and start purchasing online at www.bradleyphotos.com.au

42 www.gaiwaterhouse.com.au TOLL FREE: 1800 727 217 Gai’s Winning Formula

‘Fiorente’ wins 2013 Melbourne Cup’ Damien Oliver & ‘Fiorente’ Congratulations Gai on a great win from all the Ranvet Team. 44 www.gaiwaterhouse.com.au GTF2014_A4_Layout 1 20/11/13 12:44 PM Page 1 Get this FREE!

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