GAI’S GAZETTE8TH EDITION/April 2014

Photo by Mark Gatt

“You only need to win by a nose.....”

GAI’S

EDITOR-IN-CHIEf

Lea Stracey CONTRIBUTORS GAZETTE

Gai Waterhouse Rob Waterhouse Zeb Armstrong id you recognise our two “models” Lea Stracey on the front cover? Yes, Glencad- Madison Whant am Gold and Valediction were Emma Pearce caught discussing strategy at Gai’s MelbourneD stables. Both boys have moved on Ric Chapman from flat racing and are very much enjoying their new lease of life over the jumps by all reports. Graphic design & layout Warrnambool is calling… At the time of writing this editorial, undoubt- Madison Whant edly the richest two year old race in the world is barely two weeks away. Right on cue, the wet chief photographer weather that seems to frequently plague Golden Slipper Day has already started. With any luck it Bradley Photographers will have all blown away for this year come race day. Only time will tell. In the past few weeks, www.bradleyphotos.com.au some of the favourite winning chances of the Slipper have been withdrawn from the race Editorial Photographer due to various reasons and even now, the face of the race could still change. This phenomena Need for Steed Aus. made me think about the concepts of “luck” and www.needforsteed.com.au “chance” and their randomness. When faced with the reality of a win in a major race (or any race for that matter), luck plays a major part. Trainers and their staff work hard with long hours and much patience preparing Advertisers our horses for their races to get them “cherry ripe” for their big days. That doesn’t necessarily mean that everything goes according to plan. It is all in the lap of the gods, or it’s fate, or luck Inglis or chance once the starter climbs his ladder. The end result? One can appear a complete mad Round Table Racing person jumping up and down and screaming and crying (with elation) kissing people on either North Star Cruises side or slapping them on the back or ‘high fiving’ them at the spectacle of one’s horse crossing James Harron Bloodstock the line first, or one can be disappointed,composed and subdued,at the sight of one’s horse Ranvet not crossing the line first. Highs and lows, expectations and disappointments. Many of us have Emirates Park Stud experienced all these emotions at the races. I’m sure you will agree that one needs very broad Auldy’s shoulders for this racing game. It is the dream, the adrenalin rush, the excitement and the thrill Doncaster Hotel that keeps us coming back – the journey of shared experience in which we all connect. Indeed, Markey Saddlery it is this tantalization of luck that is so delicious which keeps us coming back to fight another Bob Guth day. This month, as well as reading our thoughts from Gai, you may read of more personalities in and around Lodge and the ATC. Zeb Armstrong tempts us to travel to Queensland for Advertising Manager the “Doomben Double”, and more. The anticipation of the ATC Autumn Carnival is mounting with the Golden Slipper and The Championship Race Days – definitely tantalizing, definitely Ric Chapman exciting. I for one am definitely planning to spend the next month of Saturdays at the races, [email protected] indulging in the passion of the Horse and Racing. May we all be jumping up and down, screaming for joy in the Winner’s Circle.

PrINTERS Lea Stracey Editor-In-Chief Graphic Impressions

4 www.gaiwaterhouse.com.au Contents

Page 24 Page 10

Page 4

Page 6 Performance of the Month: Valediction... By Zeb Armstrong Pages 8-9 From the Pen of the Lady Trainer Page 40 Pages 10-14 Nevesh Ramdhani... By Zeb Armstrong Pages 16-17 The Elusive Doomben Double... By Zeb Armstrong Pages 18-19 Restless by Name, Content by Nature.... By Ric Chapman Pages 20-21 Behind the Scenes with Debbie Winter... Interview by Emma Pearce Pages 22-23 Distance Racing.... By Rob Waterhouse Pages 24-25 Lynell Peck - Another Side of Racing... Interview by Madison Whant Pages 26-28 Gai Loves ... By Zeb Armstrong Pages 30-31 Kane Simpson - Farrier to Champions... By Lea Stracey Pages 32-33 Staying Prowess... By Zeb Armstrong Pages 34-35 Logans - 50 Years of Trust... By Lea Stracey Page 36 Racehorse Insurance - Short and Simple Pages 38-39 Recent Winners Pages 40-41 Speedy Without a Single Doubt... By Bruce Slade and David Rorison Page 32 Page 42 BOBS Extra Scheme to Pay Broodmare Owners... By Ric Chapman

www.gaiwaterhouse.com.au 5 Performance of the Month Valediction

By Zeb Armstrong

f anyone was in any denial that trial but it is clear that Valediction loves a perfect rhythm during his races. Perfect staying type horses love jumping, jumping. rhythm builds momentum and thus allows a then Valediction (Zabeel x Madam So how does this prove that jumping horse to be off and gone after straightening Valeta) is here to remind us just can spark up a flat horse that was indeed with plenty left to give when the whips are whatI a bit of jumping can do for a horse enduring a bit of a ‘flat’ spell in their cracking. that was not doing much on the flat. Vale- careers? Well to keep Valediction’s mind on Occasionally jumpers that are heading diction, a former Kiwi by Zabeel arrived the job, Gai sent him to a 2040m flat race at towards Warrnambool run well in high at Tulloch Lodge early in 2013. First up Moonee Valley. This is the same track and weight handicaps or place in 3000m races. Down Under he won in terrific fashion at trip as the Cox Plate and that race is a long They rarely win good quality Metropolitan Hawkesbury. From here however, despite way from a jumps race at ‘the ‘Bool’. ten furlong races. Well Valediction did and running well on several occasions, Valedic- However Valediction took it all in his as abovementioned his experiences over tion stalled as a flat horse. the jumps really have He was probably never switched this gelding going to win a Group race back on. This was the best on the flat and as such win of his career and it he was sent for a holiday occurred after an intro- down to Eric Musgrove’s duction to the jumps. place in Victoria and set Case closed. for two trials over the There were two 2040m jumps in preparation for races on this particular the Warrnambool Carni- night at Moonee Valley val. The gelding’s first and Gai won them both. ever trial over the jumps What is interesting is that happened at Camperdown Valediction, the jumper, in south west Victoria won his 2040m race in and he won like a horse the time of 2 minutes that was born to jump. He 5.73 seconds. Pheidon, thoroughly enjoyed the the gelding that won the experience of the jumps Above: Valediction winning at Moonee Valley Group Two Alister Clark and he flew over each and every obstacle stride and he bolted in by two lengths under later in the night over 2040m won in a time with the greatest of ease with Arron Lynch the guidance of young Chad Schofield. He of 2 minutes 6.69 seconds. Valediction, the aboard. Two weeks later, the son of Zabeel led from start to finish and was ridden per- jumper, covered the 2040m a full second went to the iconic Warrnambool circuit for fectly. Chad allowed the gelding to balance quicker than the horses in the three-year-old another hurdle trial and this was a perfect throughout the ten furlongs and the young Group Two over the same trip on the same chance for him to see the track that he will hoop never once broke his mount’s momen- card. Remarkable! be competing at just nine days after the end tum. Balance and momentum have been The jumps trials and the grand perfor- of The Championships in . Arron important qualities a bowling front runner mance at Moonee Valley especially are Lynch was again aboard and in this trial, has needed to possess since the time of more than enough to earn Valediction the Valediction improved significantly and he Ajax. Valediction has a very well balanced Performance of the Month award. See you strolled in by four lengths. It was only a and efficient stride and he can settle into in the winners circle at Warrnambool. ▣

6 www.gaiwaterhouse.com.au

From the Pen of the Lady Trainer

Gai, George Altomonte and Tommy Berry with the 2013 Golden Slipper trophy Photo by Lisa Grimm

s I put pen to paper for my become synonymous with each other, as 2001. She was a magnificent daughter of column, the Golden Slipper the Slipper and T.J. were in the past. As Danehill; in fact she was part of Danehill’s is about to be run and won. above-mentioned, I have five Slippers last crop. She was an expensive filly from I have won five Slippers already and as you are reading this I might the 2000 Magic Millions sales at $300,000 in theA past including the last two, a feat of just have won six. The striking colt and and she was drop dead gorgeous. The filly which I am really proud. The Breeders’ Plate winner Law (Denman x started her meteoric rise to fame several Cup is the race that everyone wants to win. Lady Cat) and the other very handsome colt weeks before the Slipper and on race day, It is after all the race that stops a nation. But the race that influences the racing “But the race that influences the Australia racing and breeding industry the most is also the and breeding industry the most is also the richest richest two-year-old race in the world. It is of course the Golden Slipper. There has two-year-old race in the world. It is of course the been a huge injection of funds into The Golden Slipper.....” Championships race series at Randwick. While this is great and it seems to be really Valentia (Fastnet Rock x Smart Company) with the Lady Trainer having five of the capturing people’s attention, I would hate are my two chances in the 2014 Golden 16 horses in the field, Ha Ha was almost to see the Slipper fall away. I really hope Slipper and both have a great chance of friendless in the betting ring before eventu- that any changes to the Autumn Carnival bringing me lucky number six. ally firming into $13. The Gooree gelding are not made to the detriment of the Golden Royal Courtship (Royal Academy x So Slipper. The filly Ha Ha (Danehill x Very Droll) Striking) and the star Excellerator (Mar- The Golden Slipper and Gai have was my first winner of the great race in scay x Artless) were the two of my runners

8 www.gaiwaterhouse.com.au that were the most fancied. They eventually (More Than Ready x Pure- impression on everyone who had even jumped as almost equal favourites. Ha Ha speed) followed in 2008. Before entering the slightest thing to do with him. Many was peaking on the right day and she man- Tulloch Lodge, this colt lived the life of laughed at me when I declared on 1 Octo- aged to hold on to win from Excellerator luxury on Mr George Altomonte’s won- ber 2011 that would win the 2012 and another of the Gai trained youngsters derful breeding establishment Corumbene Golden Slipper. Six months later the colt Red Hannigan (Dehere x Vital Consent) Stud. Some of the best horse country in the did exactly that. What is funny is that stable finishing third. A Slipper trifecta! world exists in the area between Corum- jockey Nash Rawiller said to me that Pierro bene Stud near Dunedoo and Gooree Park would be much better suited in the Sires’ In 2004 it was Dance Hero (Danzero x near Mudgee. Sebring kept improving from and Champagne and perhaps we should Gypsy Dancer) who took all before him and when he entered the stable in November skip the Slipper with him. Well I replied brought me my second Slipper. This geld- through the summer and he in fact stayed ‘the Sires’ and the Champagne! We will win the trifecta young Nash!’ And we did. Pier- “I always say that training two-year-olds is like ro became my second Triple Crown winner and he went on to win some $4.5 million boiling an egg. Keep them in too long and they get dollars in prize money. He was a $230,000 too hard.....” purchase at the 2011 Magic Millions. ing really holds a special place in my heart. in right up until Slipper time. He won the Overreach (Exceed And Excel x He was a prodigy from day one despite the Slipper in tremendous fashion, then backed Bahia) came with a blast. She was fast and fact he was beaten on debut in the Breeders’ up seven days later to win the Sires’. It furious and very sleek to the eye being by Plate. took the super filly Samantha Miss to just champion sire Exceed And Excel. I had After this defeat, the two-year-olds pip Sebring on the post in the Champagne programmed her to win the Blue Diamond never got close to him again and in the six Stakes. This was the only race the champi- at Caulfield and then the Golden Slipper at subsequent juvenile races that Dance Hero on juvenile ever lost and it was also his last Rosehill. She was tracking along beauti- contested, he won them all and showed start. He has been a sensation at stud and fully towards the Blue Diamond, but a few the field a clean pair of heels on all six two of his progeny Criterion and Dissident weeks before the great race, the occasions. In his Slipper win, he not only have recently won the Group One Rosehill filly lost the plot mentally. I rang the filly’s held off the super filly Alinghi, but also Guineas and the Group One Randwick owner George Altomonte and he ask me if the megastar sire Fastnet Rock who ran Guineas respectively. we should spell the filly. I said ‘no’ and that 4th. Dance Hero won the Slipper then he I just needed a little time with her to work went on to win the Triple Crown. Not bad Pierro (Lonhro x Miss Right Note) came her out a little better. Time and patience. It for a $90,000 purchase at the 2003 Magic and went in what seemed a blink of an eye, is the only way to train two-year-olds. She Millions sales. but I can tell you right now… he left an came back to me very quickly and on Slip- per day 2013, she was awesome… simply awesome.

I always say that training two-year-olds is like boiling an egg. Keep them in too long and they get too hard. Not enough time in the training environment and they are too soft. I just really hope that the Australian Racing authorities continue to support the Golden Slipper in the years to come. It is a magnificent race steeped in history and a great spectacle for the masses. Speak next month. Gai xxx

Photos by Bradley Photographers

Ha Ha leading my trifecta charge with Royal Courtship and Red Hannigan (above) and Pierro (right)

www.gaiwaterhouse.com.au 9 Nevesh Ramdhani

Nevesh (centre) in the parade ring at Randwick racecourse Photo by Need for Steed Aus.

Royal Randwick Racecourse manager Nevesh Ramdhani recently took time out of an exceptionally busy week (leading into The Championships) to speak with Zeb Armstrong about his views on racing, particularly at Randwick Nevesh is responsible for managing all operations of the Randwick racing and training tracks. This, together with trainer liaison and communications, contract management and a roll in regards to Racing Infrastructure certainly keep the young Sydney Roosters fan very busy especially at his time of year. Nevesh provides a rare insight into Royal Randwick in the following interview…

By Zeb Armstrong

Q. First things first. The biggest two tracks in the world and The Championships track performs at its optimum this year, so day Carnival in recent memory is even further enhances Randwick’s status in I had performed a significant renovation on only weeks away from taking place global racing. the track in late November. The aim of the at Randwick. If there was a weather The weather trends around the Autumn renovation was to promote strong healthy market up, a flood would be among carnival at Randwick in recent years have turf growth as well as enhance the tracks the favourites with rain on Doncast- proven to be one that will cause a Race- drainage capabilities. Good strong dense er day being probably twos on. In course Manager to have sleepless nights turf is the basis of combatting wet weather. your brief time at Randwick, what leading up to these major days. I have This not only includes it looking green, but procedures have you put in place to come to terms with the Sydney weather also the measure of lateral growth as well cope with the traditional rain that now and am fully prepared to back my as root depth and density. A good fertility always seems to pop up around track regardless of the weather. Some of program is an essential part of this process. Doncaster time? the important factors to consider when we To improve drainage, we verti-drain the Firstly, I have to say that it is an honour and have wet tracks are turf density, drainage track on a regular basis. Verti-draining has a privilege to be a part of such an historic and rail placement. My preparation for a number of advantages, but fundamentally time in Sydney Racing. I am blessed to The Championships or any major racing it improves drainage as well as stimulates have been given the opportunity to manage carnival starts months before the event turf density. perhaps one of the highest profile race- takes place. It is essential that the Randwick A good cover of grass, combined with

10 www.gaiwaterhouse.com.au a free draining soil that is matted together that one section of the track is different to Randwick is a very challenging track with dense root growth gives the track the another or the rest of the track. I walk the to win on and the competition is fierce. best chance to handle the wet weather. With Randwick track more than anyone and I can The surface has something for everyone, regards to the rail placement, this again is say that the bias concept is exaggerated. whether it’s winning from the front or determined by the weather conditions. The rail is typically moved out in three metres “Randwick is a very challenging track to win on and each race meeting, however, with inclement the competition is fierce. The surface has something weather I assess the track and make a final call on the rail position after the races are for everyone, whether it’s winning from the front or run on it. I have on occasion moved the making ground from behind.....” rail out from six metres to seven metres to avoid the racing damage caused by wet There may be instances where there making ground from behind. If the horse is weather. are marginal differences. However, these good enough to overcome all these factors variations are in pockets or localised areas at Randwick, it wins. Q. Track bias is a term that is getting and that is not reflective of the entire track Bias was never an issue in South Africa, slung around a bit lately - not just condition. Randwick’s course proper is despite their tracks not being anywhere near at Randwick or in Sydney, but even close to 90,000 square metres in size. It will as good as what we have in Australia. in Melbourne at some tracks. Was take a supernatural effort to have the entire non manmade track bias a problem track identical in the length and breadth of Q. How confident are you that The in South Africa? the track surface. Naturally there will be Championships will be run on a fair I don’t believe that track bias is a fully slight variations, and this occurs at every track? understood concept and I doubt that any race track, so I don’t think that it is fair to I am extremely confident that the work we racecourse manager will set out to create say that there is a bias every time you race have done on the track has allowed not just a bias. In general terms, track bias means on it. for exceptional grass growth and

www.gaiwaterhouse.com.au 11 Nevesh Ramdhani cont.....

drainage, but also for a fair and even racing also like to see a light breeze and a moder- As for Gai making herself heard, well surface. As mentioned earlier, the weather ate degree of humidity. This is a perfect day I haven’t known her to pull her punches. I has a major impact on this. If we get rain, for racing. speak to her almost every day, more than jockeys will tend to take a wider racing As for the perfect track conditions, I will any other trainer. Some calls I wish I hadn’t line around the turn to get away from hope to get us to a Good 3 track rating for taken, most of them though are very pleas- divoting caused by previous races. This all of our carnival days. ant and she gives some exceptional advice happens because jockeys are looking for about horses and life in general. She is truly the best going, not because of bias. As they Q. With the world watching and ev- an inspiration. come around the turn slightly wider, they eryone with different options, what naturally keep off the rails due to the design systems have you put in place to Q What about life away from Rand- of the track. There is not a lot anyone can ensure everyone (trainers mostly) wick? Do you enjoy the races on lay do about this as it is a natural line that the are happy with the track surface? days? Golf? Fishing? horse takes without impacting the action I have learned over my career in horse I guess when your passion and hobby is and stride of the galloping horse. racing that it is not humanly possible to what you do for work, then you aren’t real- keep everyone happy with a racing surface, ly at work. That is how I feel about my job, Q. Where do you stand on the wa- however, I do mostly aim to achieve the im- I love doing what I do. tering debate? possible and I think I do a pretty good job When I am not at work, I try to spend as I irrigate my track when it is necessary to at that. Everything I do in my job is aimed much time as I can at the beach. I love the be irrigated. When we have long breaks between race meetings on any of the surfac- es at Randwick, I get to irrigate for much “I guess when your passion and hobby is what you longer per sprinkler head. This allows for deeper penetration of moisture in the soil do for work, then you aren’t really at work. That is profile, much the same as rainfall does. We how I feel about my job, I love doing what I do...... ” then back off irrigating the track for longer periods as deep watering encourages deeper root growth. As we approach a race day, I back off at keeping all stakeholders happy with what beach and I consider myself in beach heav- the irrigation and adjust to suit weather I present on the day. All I can do is prepare en living at Randwick - that I have a choice conditions. The Randwick surface has im- the best possible surface for racing every of some of the best beaches in the world proved significantly over the last few years time we race at Randwick and not just for in close proximity. Apart from the beach, as a result of a proper water management The Championships. I go about my busi- I love English Football and have recently program. In the week of the race meeting, ness in an honest and fair manner. In doing become a massive Roosters fan. irrigation is done to prevent the grass from so, I know that I have done everything I can going into heat stress leading into a meet- to satisfy most trainers. Q. How would the best South Afri- ing. This involves just a light amount of can WFA horses rate against Pierro irrigation to keep the leaf cool rather than Q Do you chat with the trainers very and the likes? Is the industry in impact the “going”. My aim is to always often? South Africa as big as it is in Aus- try to achieve a track rating of a Good 3 by I have a very good relationship with the tralia? race time. trainers. I speak to them almost every day. The South African horseracing industry in I encourage free and open communication reality is punching well above its weight. Q. Do you get complete support with trainers and they know that they can It’s a small country relative to Australia but from the ATC and Racing NSW? speak to me whenever they like. I regularly they have a strong racing industry and con- I have been fortunate in that I am very well visit the trainers at track work and I also sistently perform well on the global stage. supported by management and staff of both regularly walk around the stables and speak Their racing and breeding has strong ties the as well as Racing to them about issues that may arise. to Australia. Some of the best bred horses, NSW. Both organisations understand the racing and breeding, are Australian. importance of Randwick to the success of Q. How about Gai? The Lady Trainer There have been some legendary race- their business and as a result I work closely has a big platform from which to horses in South Africa that could rival the with management to maximise our racing speak, but she has always main- best in the world, as we have seen here both and training assets. This is a high pressure tained Randwick has the potential past and present. In saying that, Pierro was role, so there is always support on hand to to be the best racetrack and train- a special horse and his spirit to fight on and assist when needed. ing complex in the world. Do you win is a very rare quality. and Gai share a similar vision? The quarantine hurdles facing South Q. If you could artificially make per- I completely agree with Gai. Randwick sure African horses leaving Africa, places them fect track and weather conditions does have the potential to become the best in a difficult position to be competitive for the $4 million Queen Elizabeth, in the world. To be honest, it’s not that far around the world. I would love to see more what would they be? off being there already. If we can get a few South African horses race in Australia. Both If I could control the weather for a day, I major capital works projects approved for countries are so similar and I think that would definitely create a mostly sunny day, Randwick, we will be well on our way to their horses will perform much better than with a maximum of 27 degrees. I would being the best. what most people would expect.

12 www.gaiwaterhouse.com.au

Nevesh Ramdhani cont.....

Racing and living at altitude is quite a sig- nificant difference to what we experience Nevesh working on the track here along the coast. We grew Kikuyu at Turffontein and the Summer weather was ideal for this grass, however, the winter was the stark opposite as it regularly gets below freezing and the grass goes into dormancy. Over sowing with rye grass is not done there, so Winter racing is conducted on tracks that mostly look like a straw track. The Winter racing carnival is held in Durban, however, there is quite a strong Summer and Autumn carnival in Johannes- burg.

Q. Can you ever sustain a certain ‘perfection’ in a racing surface for a good period of time without mov-

Aus. Steed for Need by Photos ing the rail too much and creating track bias? Q. Of a morning, can you take us as Flemington is in Melbourne. I admire Given the racing program, I don’t think through how you get things done what they have done there. I believe that this is possible. I believe that not moving while perhaps hundreds of 500kg with the resources available to the ATC, the rail will create more of a track bias than horses are galloping at top speed Randwick is poised to challenge Fleming- moving it as we currently do. The idea of around you? ton for Australia’s racing crown. moving out the rail is to allow the damaged We have a good system at Randwick that grass the opportunity to recover and be allows training to take place with minimal Q. What do you think about Her consistent with the rest of the track. issues arising along the way. Mick Stanley Majesty having a good horse run- If there were significant time between is the track work supervisor and together, ning around in Sydney? races at Randwick, then it would be some- we agree on what works best for everyone It proves just how global Randwick has be- thing that could be done, but with current and most importantly, what is the safest for come. It is a great achievement to have Her racing pressure, we have managed to get our horses. Most of the work is done the Majesty race a horse here and an honour the best out of our tracks by constantly day before. The most important aspect of too not just for me, but everyone at the ATC moving the rail. the training centre at Randwick is having to be a part of. the dirt track perfect every day. This is a We wish Nevesh and his team good real challenge as it is very susceptible to Q. You were born in Durban. That is the luck with the carnival. ▣ weather changes, especially when we have central hub of South African surfing. extreme rain. Did you ever swim or surf around Nevesh and his penetrometer Generally, the track is very well prepared there with all those Great White and well utilised, but it takes three staff Sharks? working virtually around the clock to get I love the beach and my passion for it there. I also have a good communication the surf stems from growing up along system with my ground staff so that they the Durban coastline. The warm are all kept aware of what is happening on waters and endless stretch of beach the tracks on a daily basis. makes it hard for anyone not to love We also have track work rules and regu- it. The Great Whites rarely caused lations and Mick is meticulous in enforcing much trouble that far up the coast, them. This keeps the system in balance and however, as you get further south of keeps everyone safe. Durban and head towards Cape Town, Photos by Need for Steed Aus. that is where the Great in Great White Q. Do you believe Randwick can comes from. once again rival Flemington as Aus- tralia’s greatest track? Q. At your previous job at Turf- I think this is already happening whether fontein racecourse in South people believe it or not. Sydney racing is on Africa, what difference did the the verge of becoming a global player, just altitude make to your job?

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The Elusive Doomben Double 68 years after it was achieved, Bernborough remains the only horse to ever win the Doomben 10,000 - Doomben Cup double. In the late 1960s Tommy Smith came remarkably close to emulating the feats of Bernborough with his champion grey gelding Black Onyx

By Zeb Armstrong

t in Brisbane late in May every year since 1933, the Doomben Double has been runA and won. The double consists of the Group 1 1350m WFA Doomben 10,000 and the Group 1 2020m WFA Doomben

Cup. These races in recent years have Photo from http://www.members.virtualtourist.com swapped order with the Cup taking placing this year on 17 May and the 10,000 on 24 May. During racing’s glory days, these spectacular races were handicap races. The Doomben 10,000 has been won by the likes of Apache Cat (twice), , Falvelon (twice), Manikato, Baguette and Lough Neagh. These are some of the great- est sprinters Australia has ever seen. The Doomben Cup has been won over the years by all-time champions Might and Power Bernborough’s statue in Oakey near Toowoomba and (three times) as well as Winfreux. was 9.98 seconds. did it carry- is remarkable considering he was forced to However, with all the champions ing 56.5kg, while Bernborough did it with carry 10.11lbs in this race which equates to that are mentioned when discussing the 10.5lbs or 65.7kg! Yes Bernborough came 68.5kg. Doomben Double, one name will always from last in the 1946 Doomben 10,000 to We also need to remember that back in rise above the rest - Bernborough. The win after recording the fastest furlong in these days the minimum weight in feature immortal Queensland champion Bernbor- Australian racing history, and he did it with races was generally around 7.1lbs or ough remains the only horse to have ever 65.7kg. Remarkable! 45kg. Bernborough, in winning the 1946 won the Doomben double in one year and The following Saturday in May 1946 Doomben Cup with 68.5kg, carried some he did it when both races were handicaps. Bernborough’s two wins at Doomben in “Bernborough came from last in the 1946 Doomben May 1946 remain two of the greatest wins in Australian racing history. The first leg of 10,000 to win after recording the fastest furlong the double in 1946 (the race order is now in Australian racing history and he did it with reversed) was the Doomben 10,000 or the 65.7kg.....” Ahern Memorial as it was known then. Ber- nborough was stone motherless last at the Bernborough was backed up by his 21 – 22kg more than the bottom weight top of the very short Doomben straight and connections in the 2020m Doomben Cup. in this race. Can you imagine now just 68 there were no fewer than 26 horses in front Remember this race was a handicap in years later what would happen if a horse of the champ. He was pulled out around 1946 and due to the ease of his Doomben was handicapped with 68.5kg? the field and somehow won effortlessly by 10,000 win the week before, Bernborough Some trainers these days scratch horses around two lengths. In recent years Bern- was given the full penalty for the Cup the if they have 58kg. If the minimum in the borough’s final furlong in this race has been week later. Compared to the 10,000 win, 2014 Doncaster is somewhere around 52kg, timed at 9.0 seconds. That still remains the Bernborough’s win in the Doomben Cup for a horse to win with a Bernborough-like fastest furlong ever run in Australian racing was an anticlimax. weight it will have to carry 74kg. Of course history! Black Caviar’s fastest 200m ever He started the 7-4 on favourite and this no horse will ever be handicapped like this

16 www.gaiwaterhouse.com.au again, but it does demonstrate exactly how good these two wins were by Bernborough Black Onyx in May 1946. No horse will ever win a Group 1 race in Australia again with 22kg above the minimum as Bernborough did in that year. ai’s father TJ Smith clearly had an eye and an ear for history because in 1969 he allowed his gun sprinter / milerG Black Onyx to have a go at Bern- borough’s record. Black Onyx won the Doomben 10,000 in 1969 and he won it in race record time(for those days) by just

under three lengths. Black Onyx won this Photo by Bradley Photography race with George Moore aboard in a time of 1.18.10 and he carried 8.8lbs which equates to around 54.5kg. Bernborough of course carried around 65.5kg and he won the race in 1.18.75 so 0.65 seconds slower for hav- ing carried 11kg more. When Black Onyx won the race in 1969 he did so in such an impressive fashion that TJ felt he deserved his chance to win the Doomben Cup the he won very easily even with the 9.4lbs made $13.5 million on the track and be the following week. If Black Onyx was to win (59kg). Again the following week, TJ second highest earning horse in Australian the Doomben Cup, he would join Bern- backed his champ up in the Doomben Cup racing history behind Maykbe Diva. If borough as the only horse to ever win the in an attempt to emulate the great Bernbor- anyone in Australia is or has purchased double in the one year. In several interviews ough. With 9.4lbs (59kg) Black Onyx ran this above mentioned suggested yearling, that live in the annals of Australian Racing really well again but could only manage the odds are it would be . history, TJ on more than one occasion lists 9th. Gai, like her father TJ has an expert eye at picking yearlings based on how they have grown and matured in between a brief in- “Black Onyx won the Doomben 10,000 in 1969 and spection and a sale. Gai and TJ remain two he won it in a then race record time by just under of the greatest Australian trainers in terms of both Group 1 wins and all-time success three lengths. Black Onyx won this race with George with yearlings purchased at Australian Moore aboard in a time of 1.18.10.....” sales. The Doomben Double this year will be run on 17 and 24 May and like all years, Bernborough as the greatest horse he ever Black Onyx is one of five horses to ever the races will be highly contested and full saw race. This is indeed supreme praise win the Doomben 10,000 twice while Ber- of great horses. Prior to 17 May, Doomben from the man who trained three of racing’s nborough is still the only horse to ever win also hosts another Group 1 race, the BTC greats in Kingston Town, Tulloch and Red- the Doomben Double in one year. TJ Smith Cup on 10 May. craze. There is little doubt that TJ entered purchased Black Onyx for just $2940 at the These three back-to-back Saturdays will Black Onyx in the Doomben Cup the week 1967 Sydney Easter Sales. The gelding was provide the usual thrills that Group 1 racing after winning the Doomben 10,000 in an impeccably bred but did not gather much provides but also will again offer a horse a attempt to equal the greatest achievement attention in the sales ring due to his ‘awk- chance at emulating the great Bernborough of the greatest horse he ever saw. As luck ward looks’ and lightly fleshed physique. in winning the 10,000 and the Cup in the would have it, Black Onyx ran out of his However like so many times before one year. It will take a monumental effort skin in the Cup but was just nabbed on the this, and after, TJ saw something in the for a horse to do it in 2014, but 68 years line and he finished a very brave 2nd in the grey gelding and the son of the grand sire a long time to wait, so let’s hope this year field of 19. Pipe of Peace went on to win $133,000 on could be the year. ▣ The following year, TJ and Black Onyx the track. This does not sound like much were back in Brisbane to defend their when compared to the prize money these *Contact www.brc.com.au for more Doomben 10,000 crown. The year was days, but the $133,000 earned on the track information about the Brisbane Winter Car- 1970 and Black Onyx was the hot 5-2 by Black Onyx, equates to 45 times the nival. For more information on Bernbor- favourite despite the fact that he was way gelding’s sale price. If a $300,000 yearling ough be sure to check out The Bernborough up in the weight for having won the race the purchased in 2014 is to go on and make 45 Phenomenon available as an e-book via previous year. Black Onyx won again and times its sale price on the track it will have Amazon.

www.gaiwaterhouse.com.au 17 Restless By Name, Content

Victoria and Restless in By Nature Photo courtesy of Main EventPhoto of Main courtesy Photography Some partnerships become winning combinations that last a long time. This is one of them

By Ric Chapman

n a Wednesday afternoon, stunning white markings stepped off the up with him, achieving everything with almost fourteen years ago float almost ten years ago now, staring him, well, he’s my rock, my protector. And to the day as you read this, inquisitively at his new Scone surround- he’s never let me down. a strapping, handsome, and ings, my little girl said instantly, ‘mum, he’s When things are tough for me, we just oddlyO bay coloured three-year-old owned chocolate,’” recalled Bronwyn. turn our backs on the world and gallop off.” by Yvonne Smith, Gai and her mother Victoria was small and young then. She With its close bond, their relationship Valerie, stepped out for a low key race at was about to start Pony Club and Restless has that ring of a National Velvet type mov- Canterbury. was going to be the horse she aspired to ie about it, and on their little patch of land He had that look of eagles in his eye as ride in competition. And as she grew, so did in the Hunter, the Farrs and Restless live he strutted around the parade ring that day, the friendship and relationship between her that moviesque life. and with some cause too - he was by former and Restless. Victoria has taken Restless from modest Kentucky Derby winner and then brand “They would go on to form an incredible Pony Club events to compete at Two Star new sire to the Australian scene, Thunder bond over time, and I’m happy to say that level at international-rated events (CCIs) Gulch. friendship has blossomed and is still grow- against the likes of Olympic medal winners Danny Beasley, now domiciled in Sin- ing,” said Bronwyn proudly. such as Shane Rose and Stuart Tinney. gapore, was legged up for the ride, and the The good-looking gelding, now as much After taking it quietly during her HSC expectations the big horse carried that day a star on the equestrian scene as he was on year in 2013, the University of New En- were high. When the gates flew back, he the track, was bred by the late Sir James gland Agribusiness student has high hopes jumped smartly and like so many Water- Mitchell at Yarraman Park. now for what may well be a swan-song year house runners, those expectations came to “He’s my super trooper, my best friend,” for the super fit rising seventeen-year-old. pass as he won. Victoria beamed. “When I’m riding him, For instance, the pair were selected as It was the first win for this former it’s true happiness. Just knowing he’s right the only NSW combination to participate in favourite of Gai’s who raced as Restless by my side, being able to run up to him any a short-format promotional event to be held (Thunder Gulch x Let’s Hurry). time day or night, happy or full of tears, and at Mornington races on 5 November last In a career that took him to top flight come away smiling, and then having grown year, but a minor paddock accident scuttled company, and with Gai polishing him each year, he raced on to win at Group 3 level, amassing a grand tally of nearly $600,000 in prizemoney over five seasons of racing. He was sound and raced 56 times, adding another 9 wins to his record. “I remember him well,” said Gai re- cently. “What a lovely horse. Gosh we had some fun with him. My mum and Yvonne Smith were in him as well.” Well, thanks to former Aushorse Media Manager and long time esteemed racing journalist Bronwyn Farr, the life of Restless post racing has been equally as exciting. Not just for horse-loving Bron - but the

horse and Bron’s daughter, Victoria, as Victoria riding Restless well. at the Quirindi Three “When this elegant bay gelding with Day Event in 2012

18 www.gaiwaterhouse.com.au those plans. Restless and Victoria at Scone, Undeterred, in spite of this adversity, March 2012 Victoria has the Melbourne International Three Day event at Werribee in early June this year as a target - although she laments it coincides with exams. In between now and then, Victoria and Restless will target the highly acclaimed Sydney International on April 26, then compete in outings at Scone, Tamworth and Quirindi with a view to competing in the young rider champion- ship at Adelaide International in November later this year. The pair has previously been selected to represent NSW in Sydney and for the NSW junior rider development squad. To help subsidise these ambitious eques- trian plans, Victoria has started an Equis- sage business and was thrilled to receive sponsorship from Boonoona Jump Designs earlier this year - who recognised that both

“He’s my super trooper, my best friend.....” young rider and equine athlete are a little special. “Restless is oblivious to his age and is often seen cavorting in his paddock like a two- year-old,” smiled Bron. “He’s very well cared for, he is still wonderfully sound, and often comes in with the best recovery rate in the vet box after cross country runs, due to Victoria’s diligent work with him.” Typically, the pair are not too keen on dressage but relish show-jumping and espe- cially cross country. A highlight of their time in the compet- itive ring together was finishing eighth at Scone One Star. Now, while eighth may not sound like much, when the riders ahead of her are seasoned professionals such as Beijing silver medallist Shane Rose, it’s not a bad effort for a teenager. One of few junior riders competing at these higher levels in NSW, Victoria Farr won the Junior division. When not preoccupied with her best pal Restless, Victoria prepares and campaigns other up-and-comers including horses from the Racing NSW Thoroughbred Rehabili- tation Trust, resulting in these horses being re-homed successfully. She loves horses, and Restless in par- ticular. “Can’t I just stay here and never get off?” she asks...almost begs. “The world between these two ears is so much better than any where else.” Gai’s old Restless, contented and happy, couldn’t agree more. ▣

www.gaiwaterhouse.com.au 19 Behind the Scenes with Debbie Winter

Debbie with Almighty Charge

Interview by Emma Pearce

“I remember the first day my dad took me racing. We went to Rosehill to watch a horse called Bernard race. My uncle part owned it and I must have been about six.....” Photo by Need For Steed Aus. Steed For Need by Photo

How did you get into horseracing? I decided that learning the theory would for three years, as their first female handi- I developed an interest in horseracing when be the best route into the industry. So I left capper. After a brief stint at the Sydney Turf I was young. I don’t come from a racing my all girls catholic school in Sydney and Club in their racing office, I was back at background but my dad got me reading headed south to uni to what was basically Racing NSW in their registration depart- form guides and watching the races and I an agricultural school in Wagga Wagga. It ment, as well as continuing to act as a race used to keep a scrap book of my favourite was quite a cultural shock. day official for the STC. My next move horses. I used to bug my dad to take me was to Brisbane where I worked for Racing racing all the time. I loved the excitement How did you come to GWR? Queensland, initially in the registration and the colour. I remember the first day my I wanted to get into racing administration and licensing department and then in the dad took me racing. We went to Rosehill but I didn’t know what my options were so stewards/integrity department. I was there to watch a horse called Bernard race. My after I finished school I went to university for a little over seven years before deciding uncle part owned it and I must have been and did a Bachelor of Applied Science to make the move back to Sydney and that about six. By the time I was nine I wanted in Equine Studies and during this time, is when I came across the role at Gai Water- to be a jockey, even though I had only ever I also worked for Graeme Rogerson so I house Racing. sat on a pony. I learnt to ride later on but could obtain some practical experience as It’s really only the finance department I was never very good. I don’t have good well as the theory. When I left university I and the IT department within racing admin- balance or soft hands so I was never going continued working for Graeme for about 18 istration that I have never worked in! to reach the lofty aspirations I had as a months and then I worked for John Morish nine-year-old. at Randwick. Following that I got a train- What is your role with Gai? When I finally accepted that racing eeship with Racing New South Wales and It changes every day but I suppose my offi- administration would be far more suitable, worked in their handicapping department cial title is ‘Racing Secretary’. I notify

20 www.gaiwaterhouse.com.au owners of horse movements, help to co- our rules in Australia and it makes for a Maybe Clerk of the Course or a post race ordinate Gai’s correspondence and I liaise cleaner industry, putting us on the map interviewer so I could ride a pony around with vets and spelling properties. I organise globally which in turn, coupled with our all day and talk about racing. That would be horse registrations, transfers, consents, fantastic prizemoney, attracts the best hors- the dream. insurance and generally help to answer any es and personnel from around the world. In all seriousness, I am enjoying my queries that owners and suppliers may have role here and I am also currently studying regarding the day to day running of the If you could choose any role (out- a Bachelor of Health Science (Food & office. side of Gai Waterhouse Racing!) Nutrition) with the hope of becoming a what would it be? nutritionist. Who is your favourite horse? I like eating too much to be Champion Hopefully one day I will be able to It’s hard to split Sunline and Lonhro. I got Jockey. I like sleeping too much to be utilise my nutritionist skills in the racing to watch them race quite a few times and Champion Trainer. I like to be liked too industry by working with the jockeys and they were just awesome race horses. I’m much to be head of a major governing body. apprentices. ▣ not much of a betting person but I loved watching them race – Sunline defying them all to try and pass her and Lonhro just chas- ing them down.

What’s your most memorable horseracing moment? I can tell you my most memorably embar- rassing moment... I was strapping one of Graeme’s horses at Rosehill. He finished fourth and as I lead him into the unsaddling area, he just lost it. He kicked me in the stomach and got a few other unsuspect- ing spectators at the same time. As the ambulance appeared, I realised that the “I could ride a pony around all day and talk about racing. That would be the dream.....” paramedic was my next door neighbour and although I said that I was fine, he did his neighbourly duty and insisted I get in the ambulance with Graham’s partner Debbie who had also been caught up in the mayhem. I was fine physically but quite embarrassed about the whole situation. To my horror, the Monday morning newspaper displayed a photograph of me in the back of the ambulance!

How does working for Gai differ from your previous role? I have always been working for the ‘other side of the industry’, the regulatory body. It’s quite different being on the horse side of the fence and doing the nitty gritty. It is great to see what is involved on a day to day basis of running a racing stable and to see how the rules which I helped to enforce affect those working in the industry. Rightly so, I think that we are quite vigilant with

www.gaiwaterhouse.com.au 21 Distance Racing

We all love staying races – especially Gai, with her under her belt - but there is a seemingly unstoppable demise of these races

By Rob Waterhouse

risbane Cup, the Perth Cup • The lesser factor is the pernicious and the Canberra Cup are bonus prizemoney system each State uses examples of races whose dis- that diverts prospective horse buyers from tances have been reduced. the “best” horses to the local product. This BIn spite of Group distance racing receiv- pollution of the free market system is, in ing a much bigger proportion of prizemoney reality, a strong bias against stayers. than distance racing should expect, the quality of staying races has become seem- The major reason: ingly unsatisfactory and the number of races The weight-for-age factor is declining. In essence, there has been a large change This situation must be maddening to the in non-Group One handicapping regarding allocators of prizemoney. the use of the WFA scale in recent years. The Melbourne Cup itself is evidence of The time-proven WFA scale has been this weakening in that the Cup winners and supplanted by an inferior, dare I say, puerile fields in general have totally dominated by scale. In simple terms, the new scale is very imported runners. muted and inexplicably, ignores distance as a factor. And grossly disadvantages three- Inglis are to be praised for trying with the year-olds. recent innovation, the Blue Riband promo- This important change has never been tion at their Melbourne Sales. They chose ventilated or publicly debated. 50 yearlings with distance-type pedigrees To illustrate the change, under the and promoted them as stayers of the future. old WFA scale a three-year-old in early is said three-year-olds are well catered for Laudable ambitions but sadly, dare I say, November over 3200m would receive, till with plenty of races for their own age. “The new scale is very muted and inexplicably, • The handicappers would also say that soon-to-be-top-class three-year-olds ignores distance as a factor. And grossly disadvan- would dominate. Of course, that is the problem when handicapping is done by tages three-year-olds.....” formula, as they are presently constrained to do, rather than to equalise runners.

unlikely to be successful. about 30 years ago, about 13 kilos from a • Additionally, the handicappers and Many reasons are given but I say the rea- four-year-old of equal standing. Under the form students would argue that the WFA sons generally put forward are not the true modern official WFA, it is now about 10 “only works with Group One (i.e. top class) driving forces against the staying races, and kilos. But, under the current non-Group racing”. I believe the old scale is accurate miss-explain the dynamics of the situation. One scale, only 1.5 kilos is allowed - a with all open class races and works, in a huge difference. diluted form with restricted races (the

I believe there are two reasons for the weaker the races, the less effect) to the This shift has been allowed to occur for extent it has no relevance in maiden class. decline, interestingly these are both unrec- probably three reasons: ognized as such: It would also be said that many three- • Three-year-olds are, in effect, shut • First, connections complain only year-olds would find themselves on the out of distance racing because of the near about too much weight at the top of the limit but ‘out of the handicap’ (should be abandonment of the handicapper’s most weights – complaints are never made about well less than the limit) in handicaps. important tool – the weight-for-age (WFA) runners on the limit being over weighted The biggest effect of this shift is that scale for non-group races. or too close to the top weights. Second, it three-year-olds don’t compete in open-age

22 www.gaiwaterhouse.com.au distance races. Consequently, they are not bought or trained to be stayers. Moreover, those three-year-olds who compete in three-year-old distance races are usually “second division” i.e. failed over shorter courses. Good racing is built appropriately on the fortunes of two and three-year-old horses. For instance, my wife, Gai, has only a handful of four-plus aged horses in her stable. Punters are mostly interested in young, exciting horses. And staying events need the young competitors to make them interesting. If the full WFA scale allowance were given, three-year-olds would, quite rightly, win more all-aged staying races than any other age group. Three-year-olds were the most successful Melbourne Cup group till the Second World War.

The minor (but still important) they are VOBIS, BOBS, SABIS, QTIS, and gone down the seedy, protectionist reason Magic Millions etc. They are, in effect, path, and is a shame. devices set up to aid the local breeding These schemes point purchasers to buy The bonus systems industry at the expense of yearling purchas- “home breds”. For example, the late trainer, Protectionism has infected horse racing ers’ choice - a conspiracy against the laity Queensland trainer Bruce McLaughlin for a long time. The notorious Jersey Act, and not in the general interest of racing. attributed his demise as a top Australian effectively barred US and Australian race It’s ironic that at a time when “liberals” trainer to restricting himself to Queensland- horses from racing in the UK from about 1913 till about 1935. English racing was poorer for it. The French wouldn’t allow “It’s ironic that at a time when “liberals” have con- foreign (UK) horses to race in France for vinced most of the world of “free trade” advantages, many years – they now regard that policy as a foolish mistake. The American “state- racing has copied Argentina... and gone down the bred” races are a blight. Today, it’s hard to seedy, protectionist path, and is a shame...... ” race our horses in Japan and Hong Kong because of protectionism. have convinced most of the world of “free breds, to take advantage of the QBIS and For about 20 years Australian racing has trade” advantages, racing has copied Argen- QRIS. had different schemes, off and on. Today, tina (once the richest country in the world) However, the big loser, with no Austra- lian-type bonus scheme to support itself, Argentinian protectionist policies have caused many to leave is New Zealand. The reduction of New Zealand imports to Australia is a matter of record. The numbers have dropped more than 25 per cent and the median value is well down. This has had a big impact on “staying-bred” horses. New Zealand is our fountain-head of the staying pool. This has been an unintended effect of the bonus scheme but a serious and pernicious one.

Conclusion I have no doubt that if: • The WFA scale was made to be used by the handicapper (as well handi- capping to equalise runners’ chances) in all open class races and in a diluted way in restricted races, three-year-olds be aimed as stayers • The bonus schemes were abandoned the quality of distance races would respond dramatically and a great contribution would be made to Australian racing. ▣ Photo by Natacha Pisarenko(The Washington Post March 13, 2013)

www.gaiwaterhouse.com.au 23 Lynell Peck Another Side of Racing

Lynell at a midweek race meeting at Randwick Racecourse Recently reaching her second decade with the Australian Turf Club, Executive General Manager of Hospitality, Events and Operations, Lynell Peck, sat down with me last week to talk about racing from her perspective

Photo by Need for Steed Aus. Steed for Need by Photo By Madison Whant

How long have you worked for the Yes. I was in hotels for a long time and You have a diverse role at the ATC ATC? lucky enough to have the opportunity to be as Executive General Manager of I have been employed by the club twice employed by the AJC as the Catering Man- Hospitality, Events and Operations. now, so all up I am just over twenty years - ager in 1994. Over the years I progressed Can you describe your typical day? ten years the first time and I’ve just recently to a senior management role and I can’t There really isn’t a typical day for me, reached my tenth year anniversary the imagine doing anything else. Being a part however the most typical day would be second time around. of this industry is great. One day is never race day. There is also a lot of work and the same as the next. You should never do planning prior to race day. My role encom- What did you do in the interim? anything that makes you miserable. Life is passes the eventing, hospitality, catering, I moved to China and worked at the too short. security, facilities and cleaning so we start Shangri-La in Pudong, Shanghai. I was the early in the morning. Food and Beverage Director. Did you have a special interest in On the day my duties range from basic racing? checks of the grandstands, the finishing How long did you stay at the No, I must admit what I knew about racing touches in the functions and restaurants and Shangri-La Hotel? then you could fit on a post-it note. staff management which is very important. I was there for seven months when SARS When all of our staff is checking through it hit. It was a devastating period particular- How do you feel about it now? is important to welcome everybody aboard ly for the hotel industry. I was extremely I absolutely love it. It’s not just about the and talk about anything special we may fortunate as I was able to come back to racing it’s about all the people involved have going on for the day. Australia and back to the AJC. with racing. We work across so many plat- Carnival times are particularly special as forms of people, whether it be the trainers, we have so many of the owners here and I understand you have quite an the owners, or the members, race day and we need to make sure staff are aware when extensive background in hotel hos- non race day clients, there is just so many their horses are racing and what races they pitality. Where were you before you stakeholders in racing that I interact with are in to ensure we can assist the owners in came to the ATC for the first time? in my role. That is what makes it such a being a part of either the elation… or the I am from New Zealand so when I came to special place for me. commiserations. Australia I was the Opening Food and Bev- I am also responsibly for compliance – erage Director for the Park Lane in Sydney Your favourite racehorse was Sun- that is the venue as a public place of enter- which is now the Sheraton on the Park. line, the champion middle distance tainment and the liquor licensing. Then it is Before that I was with Regent International mare of the world. What made all systems go from there. for ten years. So I worked in a number of Sunline so special for you? Hotels in New Zealand, Australia, Hong Yes, the mighty mare from New Zealand. That is a rather long list of respon- Kong and the Regent Beverly Wilshire in She was a champion in the true sense of the sibilities to fit into one morning. Los Angeles. word. She frequently raced at the front of What time would you arrive to get her races and showed great courage to repel this done? So this was your career choice from challengers. Sunline put New Zealand I am one of the later starters within my quite an early stage? racing on the map around the world. team, arriving at 7:30am. The kitchen

24 www.gaiwaterhouse.com.au brigade is here by 5.30am and on a carnival Championships will only get bigger and New Zealand and dinner with my husband. day we normally close up around 9pm. It is better each year. a long day but we are in events and racing Do you ever get to relax and enjoy so it goes with the territory. How has the introduction of The the races? Championships affected your job? We have a recognition program for mem- The Golden Slipper is almost upon It has made me even busier! We are bers of staff that achieve long service mile- us, are you looking forward to it. forecasting full capacity crowds over the stones at the ATC. When we have people What role do you play in the orga- two days so we have had to plan for, and clock up their ten, twenty and thirty-five nization of the world’s richest 2YO construct, extra hospitality spaces. The years mile stones, a mid-week race day is race? biggest and most exciting new precinct is chosen where each of the races are named Absolutely – the Golden Slipper is our ‘Little Sydney’. This will feature five dif- in honour of the staff member celebrating Crown Jewel at Rosehill Gardens. I am ferent marquees housing pop-up restaurants their service milestone. As one of the lucky enough to be involved and oversee the front of house logistics, the sponsors “The biggest and most exciting new precinct is and corporate events on the day at Rosehill Gardens. ‘Little Sydney’. This will feature five different marquees housing pop-up restaurants from some of What events in particular are you organizing for the Golden Slipper? Sydney’s finest .....” I will be working with our team of event managers who are organizing the events from some of Sydney’s finest – Longrain, senior managers for the Australian Turf and their respective themes. These events Bondi Icebergs, Chiswick, Four in Hand Club I get to go if one of my staff is being are held in the Grand Pavilion, Interna- and Merivale. It will be THE place to be honoured and I get to celebrate and enjoy tional Lounge, the Gold Room Luncheon, seen among Sydney’s social, racing and the races with them. I love it. the Slipper Club, the Exhibition Hall, and business scene. Jennifer Schembri from Human Resourc- the Tooheys New Social Club. We also es bought this initiative in and it is such a organize the Sponsors’ and corporate client Describe your relationship with great day. The staff member has the race events in the function rooms. Gai? named after them, and it is also put in the Gai is a very passionate woman. Gai has commemorative race book. They get a pho- The Championships promise to be been very supportive of me since we first tograph and a miniature copy of the sash a spectacular show of racing - Do met and has assisted me throughout my that they present to the winning owners. It you think the racing industry will time with the ATC. There are certainly is a great thrill for everyone involved. benefit from this? many times she has also been there to give There is no doubt racing will benefit from me a good towelling when something isn’t Who organizes your parties at this, not only with all the added prizemon- right! home? ey, but also the great exposure this event Gai is always supporting the Club and I haven’t had a party at home in a long will bring to the interstate and international our initiatives and events, and is always time! Most of the family events that we visitors – the widespread media coverage happy to make an appearance. She is have are held in New Zealand where most will be very beneficial to the growth of always willing to help at the drop of a hat of my family and friends are. Australian racing. - there are very few people in the world The Championships will be the “Grand you can say that of. We get approached Do you have kids? Finals’’ of the ATC’s BMW Sydney Carni- sometimes for charities and Gai will always No, but I do have a lot of animals. I love val and are to be held on 12 and 19 April at give her time on a race day to come down, all things furred and feathered! Royal Randwick. Sydney racing is among give some tips and be seen in support. the strongest and most competitive in the What is your worst or best enter- world and this will allow us to showcase What do you like to do on your days taining experience, if any? Australian racing and the wonderful new off? Within the racing industry one of the high- facilities at Royal Randwick at a national I’m one of those people that like to stick to lights was hosting the 2010 Asian Racing and international level. a routine. On Sunday I will always go out Conference race day luncheon on behalf of We are particularly excited that we will for breakfast with my husband and read the Racing New South Wales at Royal Rand- be able to offer our renowned hospitality off newspapers. At home I tend to my flower wick. That was a fabulous event with the the track in what is the biggest and richest garden - I certainly enjoy gardening. I am international racing identities in attendance. carnival in the history of Sydney racing. also a volunteer wildlife carer for Sydney There will be more than $31 million in Metropolitan Wildlife specializing in Water Is the turn-out for race day still prizemoney on offer over the six weeks, Birds. I am lucky I have a supportive hus- quite strong? including more than $18 million for The band. Murray assists me so much, especial- Our carnival days are certainly successful. Championships. ly when I am at work, and he is often being It is hard on mid-week race meetings and in We hope to aid the growth of tourism called to collect and transport injured or the winter months. Tony Partridge, the new in Sydney and NSW and revenue from orphaned birds. Head of Commercial, has come up with a wagering, allowing the benefits of racing I also love to shop - one of my passions number of initiatives we will be activating to flow down from the trainers, owners and is shoes! throughout the winter months, one being to jockeys, to everyone who comes to enjoy And there is a phone call every Sunday attract families with fun and learning days the races. We are very confident that The to my mother who lives in Wanganui in at the races. ▣

www.gaiwaterhouse.com.au 25 Gai Loves Brisbane

The Lady Trainer does not switch off the day after the Carnival moves north from Sydney. No indeed. Instead Gai looks for more winning opportunities up north with her good horses. Here is the story of the love affair that is Gai and the Brisbane Winter Carnival

By Zeb Armstrong

he Brisbane Winter Carnival south. Every Saturday at either Eagle Farm process beat the nice stayer Freemason who sneaks up on us fairly quickly or Doomben there are very full fields that famously beat Northerly the following year every year at the conclusion of provide very competitive racing. When the in the BMW at Rosehill. Hey Pronto won the Sydney Autumn Carnival. NSW and Victorian horses arrive for the eight good races for Gai and made over half It seemsT that more and more racing folk Carnival riches, they are often shown up by a million dollars on the track. every year are realising that Brisbane is these locals. In 2005 Platinum Scissors (Danehill x an opportunity just up the road for horses But after-all, for 150 years it has been Shantha’s Choice) won the time honoured to continue their respective Group 1 hard to beat the local horses on their home Hollindale Cup for Gai. This talented preparations after the Sydney Autumn has tracks in their traditional track and weather stallion won five races for Gai during his finished. However the truth is that Eagle conditions. career and made almost $1 million in stakes Farm Racecourse (which lies less than 1km from Doomben Racecourse) is 934km from “The best Queensland races during the winter have the front gates at Randwick. Flemington is 873km from Randwick. That’s right; for a long time been dominated by Queensland Eagle Farm is further from Randwick than trained horses.....” Flemington is. We all know how hard it is to win at Flemington during the Spring It is well known that Gai Waterhouse money on the track. In winning the 2005 Carnival and it is equally hard if not has won every major race in her home state Hollindale Cup (which is run on the Gold harder to win major races in Brisbane. The of NSW and since last Novemeber, now a Coast) Platinum Scissors beat the future best Queensland races during the winter Melbourne Cup to go with her many Victo- Australian Cup winner Roman Arch by have for a long time been dominated by rian Group 1 wins. But Gai also has a nice about a head. Queensland trained horses. little record that rarely gets a mention in the The very talented filly / mare Win- The weather is different up there, as major Brisbane races. Here are just some of ning Belle (Zabeel x Kirin Belle) won is the humidity. Doomben is a tight little the highlights (so far) of Gai’s adventures the Queensland Guineas in tremendous track whereas Eagle Farm that is built on north during the winter. fashion for Gai in 2004. Interestingly, this the same block is a big spacious track. The In 2002 the Waterhouse trained Hey filly beat a horse named Toulouse Lautrec better Brisbane horses run against each Pronto (Faltaat x Royal Act), just three in this race. This grey gelding that was other all year, and when the southerners weeks after running a nice second in the beaten by Winning Belle went on to win the arrive in May every year, these same horses Gosford Cup, managed to win the Group Queensland Derby a month later. Exactly all seem to run well and hold their own 2 P.J. O’Shea Stakes at Eagle Farm. Hey four years after these great clashes in three- against their more famous peers from down Pronto won by just a few inches and in the year-old company in Queensland,

26 www.gaiwaterhouse.com.au “In winning the BTC Cup Bentley Biscuit (left) had recorded three consecutive Group 1 victories and had booked his ticket to Royal Ascot.....” Photo by Bradley Photography Bradley by Photo

“With aboard, Tullamore (right) was able to salute for Gai and the lucky owners by 1.5 lengths in the 2011.....“

Photo by Bradley Photography

Toulouse Lautrec won four jumps races and he justifiably has a race named after NSW. The hot pot in the race was the grey on the trot in Victoria by a combined 42 him, the Rough Habit Plate. Gai was lucky horse Glass Harmonium but with Chris lengths! enough to win this great race in 1995 with Munce aboard, Tullamore was able to Back to Winning Belle. She won Black- her grand campaigner Juggler (Jugah x salute for Gai and the lucky owners by 1.5 type races as a two-year-old, three-year-old Kashalyn). lengths. Tullamore went on later in the year and as an open class horse. She had five This edition of the Rough Habit Plate after this Brisbane Cup win to place in the wins over all from 18 starts and won over was run and won during Rough Habit’s last Caulfield Cup behind Southern Speed and $600,000 for her connections. Perhaps year of racing. Juggler was the favourite also in the Moonee Valley Cup behind the Winning Belle’s most famous effort was a and he won, only narrowly but with a touch great Americain. gutsy second behind Makybe Diva in the of class. The stable favourite had 60 starts The Bernborough Handicap is named 2005 Australian Cup. This edition of the overall including 53 in Group and Listed after the greatest of all the Queensland great race remains the fastest ever run and company. He won all over Australia and in horses, the immortal Bernborough. This Winning Belle finished just a length behind the mid 1990s took home just under $2.5 race is usually run and won around New the champion mare. million dollars for his connections. Year’s Eve at Doomben. Rough Habit is undoubtedly the In 2011 the striking bay gelding Tul- In 2011 Gai had a very inform Kontiki most successful horse in regards to the lamore ( x Trocair) was sent to Park (Thorn Park x Pretty Special) on her Queensland Winter Carnival. The great Brisbane for the Brisbane Cup after two hands and no suitable races on the agenda Kiwi won six Group 1 races in Brisbane narrow defeats in Listed Winter Cups in for such a quality horse around Sydney.

www.gaiwaterhouse.com.au 27 Gai Loves Brisbane cont.....

Romantic Touch has continued a successful campaign after

Photo by Bradley Photography Bradley by Photo his Group 1 win in the 2013 J.J. Atkins Stakes

So Gai sent the gelding to Queensland training fully in her own right for under cot. In this race, Bentley Biscuit managed for the Bernborough Handicap and he two years, is a feat that is rarely mentioned to beat one of the best sprinters we have rewarded the Lady Trainer’s faith with a when the Lady Trainer is discussed. All Our seen in recent memory, the magnificent commanding come from behind win over a Mob won all over Australia and collected Takeover Target who too joined Bentley very good field. Two weeks later the geld- over $2.5 million dollars for his connec- Biscuit several weeks later at Royal Ascot. ing won the Magic Millions Stayers’ Cup. tions. This was the last win of Bentley Bis- Apart from Kontiki Park, all the other Four years after this breakthrough win cuit’s glittering career where he won over winners mentioned won their respective in the Stradbroke, Gai trained her third half his career starts and just under $1.5 races in and around the Brisbane Winter Group 1 winner in Brisbane (Juggler’s million dollars in prizemoney. Carnival. 1996 Doomben Cup win was Gai’s second Gai’s most recent win in a Group 1 While the above mentioned horses all in Queensland). This third win came from feature in Brisbane was courtesy of the won nice races during the Carnival, only the talented Zabeel filly Zacheline (Zabeel wonderful two-year-old Romantic Touch Juggler also won a Group 1 race in Bris- x Castel Cheline) in the 1998 Queensland (Northern Meteor x Dearness) who led bane. The champion gelding managed to Oaks. This filly won by one of the narrow- from start to finish in the 2013 J.J. Atkins win the time honoured Group 1 Doomben est margins ever recorded in this race and Stakes. For forever and a day this race was Cup in 1996. also in one of the fastest times. Zacheline known as the T.J. Smith and it was a great In all, there are eight major Group 1 races also won the South Australian Oaks (two thrill for Gai to finally win it. Romantic held during the Brisbane Winter Carnival. weeks prior to the Queensland Oaks win) Touch beat not just the wonder colt Zoustar Gai has won five of these Classic races. Not and also ran a narrow fourth in the VRC but also the eventual Sandown Guineas bad for an out-of-towner. Oaks. Up until 2010 Zacheline as a brood- winner Paximadia. Romantic Touch did a Gai’s first win in a Brisbane Group 1 came mare had produced three individual winners fantastic job in winning this race for his when (What a Guest x All in the breeding barn. connections and he still has plenty of racing ahead of him as we go to print. “Gai’s most recent win in a Group One feature in While Eagle Farm is further away from Tulloch Lodge than Flemington is, the Brisbane was courtesy of the wonderful Brisbane Carnival does come around at a two-year-old Romantic Touch (Northern Meteor x perfect time for a horse that is looking to Dearness) continue on its Group 1 preparation after who led from start to finish in the 2013 J.J. the Sydney Autumn. Atkins Stakes.....” The first Group One of the Brisbane Winter this year comes around on 10 May Sold) bobbed his head at the right time to In 2007, the wonderful sprinting gelding and this is only twenty one days after the win the 1994 . The Bentley Biscuit (Peintre Celebre x Tycoon final day of The Championships in Sydney. ‘Straddie’ remains the richest open handi- Joy) travelled to Brisbane and won the BTC No doubt Gai will again be looking to cap on the Brisbane racing calendar and for Cup. In winning this race, the gelding had take home some of the Queensland Winter Gai to win this race, outside of her home recorded three consecutive Group 1 victo- spoils and we look forward to seeing you state, against a full field of twenty and after ries and had booked his ticket to Royal As- all there! ▣

28 www.gaiwaterhouse.com.au

Photo by Need for Steed Aus.

Kane Farrier to Champions Simpson By Lea Stracey

Meet Kane Simpson, a very important member of the Gai Waterhouse team. Lea Stracey spent a morning at stables to learn more about this silent achiever...

hen Kane finished high Sir Patrick Hogan of Cambridge Stud together when I guessed correctly that the school, he immediately was offering through the January Karaka Lady Trainer may have suggested a barber, started general stud Sales. “This was a very valuable oppor- a dentist, some ideas on personal presenta- duties at Peter Vela’s tunity,”Kane explained, and when Laurie tion, etc. (Many of us have been exposed to PencarrowW Stud in Waikato, New Zealand. came to Sydney to work on the feet of some Gai’s life lessons on personal improvement One day, Leon Casey, the manager of of Gai’s horses, he asked Kane to assist and health care and I refer to her generosity Pencarrow Stud arranged for Kane to spend him there and Kane jumped at the chance of thought and spirit in the nicest possible a day with respected farrier Wayne Wilson. for the experience . He must have made an way!) Kane told me that by the end of that day he knew exactly what he wanted to be – a far- “I have learnt a lot from Gai, not only about racing rier. Wayne offered Kane an apprenticeship and so for the next four years, Kane shad- and my job, and I really appreciate that....” owed Wayne mainly in Pencarrow Farm tending to their horses and also worked impression on the mind of the Lady Trainer, Kane and I discussed whether there is on smaller farms and at pony clubs in the as not three weeks later, Gai offered Kane a difference between a blacksmith and a Waikato region. Concurrently he attended a permanent position in Sydney to be her farrier. “They are actually related trades,” classes on being a blacksmith and a farrier private farrier. “That was six years ago,” he he told me. “A blacksmith is a man who which included learning about the anatomy told me “and I have never looked back. It makes and repairs tools and weapons (in and physiology of the horse and of course, was such a massive opportunity for me. I olden times) and forges architectural pieces. particularly the structure of its foot. knew it would be hard to leave home, but A farrier (from the Latin ferrum meaning In 2010 Kane was offered the opportu- it was something I just couldn’t have said iron, and later from the Middle French nity to assist the New Zealand “godfather” no to. Besides, I have learnt a lot from word ferrier, a man who worked with iron) of farriering, Laurie Lynch Their mission Gai, not only about racing and my job, is a specialist in equine hoof care, including was to work on the premier yearlings that and I really appreciate that.” We chuckled the trimming and balancing of horses’ 30 www.gaiwaterhouse.com.au hooves and the placing of horse shoes on their feet. Kane told me that he learnt to Farrier to Champions make the horseshoes from a straight piece of metal, but that these days horseshoes come in various sizes (4,5,6,7,8) to fit By Lea Stracey various sizes in feet. Once the size of the horse’s foot is determined, then Kane will customize the horseshoe to fit the horse. Gai often refers to the horse’s feet as the “foundation of the horse”. The old adage, “no hoof, no horse” makes a lot of sense. When shoeing, Kane is always at great pains to ensure the horse’s hooves retain their proper stance on the ground. As I spoke with Kane I realized the importance Photo by Need for Steed Aus. of a good farrier. To my question, why do we shoe horses, Kane explained the shoes are used as traction for the different surfaces the horses will encounter during their time in training – grass, dirt and of course the bitumen and concrete of the city. When a horse is shod, all four shoes are replaced for evenness and balance, except of course and hoof knife. He would also need to be next to prostitution, and perhaps he is right! when a single shoe is lost on the race track very fit with strong core strength to avoid He proudly told me he is now a master with on a race day. Horses are generally shod back strain. It was no surprise that Kane is two apprentices, one of whom graduated every 2-3 weeks if they are living in the city a devotee of Bikram Yoga, squash, tennis, with the highest results at TAFE and the because of the wear and tear from the hard running and touch football. I asked whether other is almost finished also. This man with surfaces. “A farrier should try and use the he painted or executed drawings for relax- his congenial, generous nature and good same nail holes when re-shoeing to prevent ation. It was no surprise to me when he horse sense is definitely doing his part in problems,” Kane explained. “I like to see replied “Yes, but how do you know?” My ensuring a supply of farriers for the Racing the horse walk before shoeing to see how response? “A man who is sensitive and ob- Industry. He is certainly a valued member they land their foot when they walk and I servant to the comfort of a horse’s feet and of Gai’s team. shoe according to conformation. After the who can shape the horseshoes accordingly, As I walked away, Kane was about to hoof has been parred and rasped (filed) and simply has to be an artist”. shoe the handsome , who had been the shoe nailed on, I require the horse to In our fast and modern world, it was listening to our conversation with great be walked again to ensure a proper fit.” It most refreshing to spend time with Kane interest. I knew Fiorente was in good occurred to me that Kane’s job could be Simpson, and I marvelled that at hands…. ▣ likened to a podiatrist’s in the human world, his tender young age there would and he liked that analogy. Apparently it be few of his contemporaries takes him around 45 minutes to shoe a horse choosing this ancient trade which and he does this about eight or nine times is still today so important and a day! relevant to the Racing Industry. A farrier’s work clearly requires strength, I laughed when Kane told me even to the lifting of his tool bag which his profession is considered the contains an anvil, rasp, pincers, hammer second oldest one in the world

Kane shoeing Ecuador

Photos by Need for Steed Aus. Kane with Forever Loved www.gaiwaterhouse.com.au 31 Staying Prowess

The country responsible for producing the best staying types to run in Australia has changed plenty of times over the last 100 plus years. Now, maybe fifty years since last topping the list, Europe and Great Britain find themselves at the fore- front again...

By Zeb Armstrong Photo by Need for Steed Aus.

Julienas (left) and Glencadam Gold (right) at an exhibition gallop

n regards to Australian racing, the to all come from New Zealand. Yes there to find their feet. Here is a rundown of all majority of the better stayers to were still plenty of imported stallions in the Gai Waterhouse imports and what they ever race in this country have either both Australia and NZ, but the best of the have been up too lately. been bred in a foreign land or their best stayers like Tulloch, Redcraze and siresI have been shipped over from a foreign Even Stevens all took their first steps on Glencadam Gold (Refuse to Bend x land. the rolling hills of New Zealand. Up until Sandrella) Early on in the Australian racing industry the 21st century, New Zealand born stayers This gelding is a Group 1 winner in the best stayers were by imported English really ran well in Australia and dominated Australia and he recently won a jumps and Irish stallions. Stallions like St. Albans the wins of many a Melbourne Cup. Of trial in Warrnambool. With the huge prize (GB) and Musket (GB) were responsible course there were a few Aussie bred horses money on offer in the major jumps races in for many of the best Australian stayers of that ran well and plenty of the progeny of Victoria, Glencadam Gold has still plenty the late 19th century. Heading towards the imported European stallions held their own left to offer. time of Phar Lap, still the great majority in the best Australian staying races. of good Aussie stayers were by the likes of Julienas (Cape Cross x Dora Valais (GB), Magpie (GB) and Night Raid In the 2000s, the best stayers on the Carrington) (GB). Then came Heroic, an out and out world stage seemed to be coming out of This quality stayer has won three Listed Australian sire who produced generations Japan. Granted, only two at this stage have races and a Group 3 since he lobbed in to of good staying types. Around the time of ever run in Australia, but they did quinella Australia. He regularly finds himself right Heroic (the 1930s), the Australian staying the 2006 Melbourne Cup! As of right now up in the weights and he is still running stocks were strong and more and more (mid 2014) the better stayers that run in very well as we speak. Australian breeders were producing staying Australia again seem to be coming out of types. Of course these days it is all about Great Britain and now France and Germa- Sesentum (Motivator x Corinium) speed, but in racing’s glory days, it was all ny. Gai has roughly fifteen European raid- After two nice runner-up results in Austra- about staying prowess. After World War II, ers in the stable at the minute and several lia, Sesentum is progressing very nicely. He the best stayers to run in Australia seemed are thriving with several others just starting clearly has talent and will keep improving.

32 www.gaiwaterhouse.com.au The Offer (Montjeu x Valdara) from all stables, they will always now be Carlton House (Street Cry x Ballarat Cup winner who is progressing compared with Fiorente. Talented) really well. He beat his opponents convinc- This entire arrived in Australia as one ingly to win the prestigious Manion Cup. Bonfire (Manduro x Night Frolic) of the best middle distance horses in the Now heading to the before This gelding came to Australia with a world. He is starting to regain his best form being spelled and going to Melbourne. reputation of being a naughty boy but won’t and has plenty of good races ahead of him. last long being a naughty boy with the lady His second by a whisker in the Group 1 The Baronet (Sir Percy x Windmill) trainer. He has been spelling for a while Ranvet took many racegoers by surprise. This gelding is only five and he is going now, but he does have plenty of ability as There will be no surprise when he contests really well in this his first Australian prepa- demonstrated by an impressive margin win the $4 million Queen Elizabeth Stakes. ration. He has won a race already and went in England. He is in full work. very well and he might even be a genuine Michelangelo (Galileo x Intrigued) Black-type threat at his next preparation if Greatwood (Manduro x Gaze) This talented entire is taking some time not this time in. This gelding has had eight starts in to adjust to the Australian way of doing Europe for a win and five placings. I like things. He came over here with a good Galiando (Galileo x Nando’s Dream) him enormously. He is in full work. Both he reputation as his form in England had been This son of the immortal sire Galileo is and Bonfire will be trialling by the end of exemplary. He is a typical son of Galileo - a very lightly raced. He is yet to win in Aus- the month. long lean individual, but he can stay all day. tralia, having taken longer to come to hand but he has returned from a nice summer Excess Knowledge (Monsun x Tres Blue (Anabaa Blue x Tres Ravi) spell in terrific order and at the time of print Quenched) A talented entire. We are still to see his he is heading to the trials in anticipation for He is a lovely individual with a top class best. The was too his racetrack return. disposition just like Fiorente. He has a great short a trip for him and we will see him at record in Europe and has all the attributes his best when he gets over 2400m plus. Fiorente (Monsun x Desert Bloom) of a horse that will settle into the Tulloch Gai and her team have an exemplary A champion entire that has absolutely Lodge way of doing things automatically. record selecting tried European stayers thrived since arriving in Australia. Mel- He is definitely one for the blackbook. This who have already won on the track. These bourne Cup winner of course, and also colt is by Monsun, who is also the sire of include Fiorente, Julienas, Glencadam more recently Australian Cup Winner. Un- Fiorente, who is also fast becoming one of Gold, The Offer, Mr Monopolize, and The fortunately for most other European imports the most sought after stallions in the world. Baronet. ▣ Photo by Mark Gatt.

Fiorente winning the 2014 Australia Cup at Moonee Valley

www.gaiwaterhouse.com.au 33 Logans - Fifty Years of Trust For many of us in the industry, the name Logans is synonymous with horse insurance

By Lea Stracey Bob Logan

ogans was established in 1964 educates a number of her horses. insuring horses for Tulloch Lodge. Tommy when Bob Logan started out Bob Logan had come from Wauchope in Smith could say in a few words what others as a life insurance agent. He country NSW near Port Macquarie where took an hour to explain. Tommy would say had a pregnant wife, Lorraine, his father had a small timber mill and had ‘All you have to do is pay claims without a dogL and a kitchen table. He had recently completed the Woolworths Management “It wasn’t about insuring horses it was about course but felt it would be better if he worked for himself. Over the next few being the best at paying claims.....” years he developed a general insurance broking business and in the late 1960s start- always liked and been involved with horses, fuss’. It wasn’t about insuring horses, it ed insuring horses for one of his clients, a not unlike most country kids. Lorraine had was about being the best at paying claims. live wire Canadian called Bob Lapointe. grown up in Taree not far from Wauchope. Logans has based one of its philosophies Lapointe had brought KFC and Pizza Hut With three young kids they set about spe- around those few words that Tommy said to Australia and was looking at establishing cialising in horse insurance. The only way way back in the early ‘70s. quarter horse racing in Australia. He had a to learn about horse insurance in those days Unfortunately Bob collapsed at the Inglis great love for horses and the horses needed was to travel overseas. They developed Sales in April 2007 with an AVM (Arterio- insurance. From there it was a natural equine insurance contacts overseas and venous malformation). Basically it was a progression to thoroughbreds and Bob systems that would take them to being the congenital weakness where the brain con- Lapointe continues his involvement with leading horse insurer in Australia. Those nects to the spinal cord that burst. It could horses through Muskoka Farm that was set contacts continue to this day. have happened anytime from birth and not up in those years and where Gai spells and It was the early 1970s when Bob started something doctors go looking for in any

34 www.gaiwaterhouse.com.au checkups. Despite being very fit and school and the kid in the bed next to him land. He was also sent to the USA to look at healthy and across the road from the top was a young David Vandyke, now a trainer what some of the insurance companies there neurosurgeons at Prince of Wales there was at Warwick Farm. David’s father, Vic, at were doing in horse insurance. Somewhere nothing that could be done. At age 68 he this time won the Breeders Plate year after along the way he completed an MBA at the still had a lot of living to do and his early year and always had one of the top two- AGSM and became the youngest Fellow of passing reinforces the perspective that you year-olds. We could talk horses all day and the Australian and New Zealand Insurance need to enjoy every day of your life. If go to the races during holidays. We even and Finance Institute. These qualifications owning a horse is on the agenda then don’t played sport in the same teams. It wasn’t together with over 30 years experience in procrastinate. hard to like horses when your best mate was horse insurance make Richard one of the Richard Logan had been working with interested in the same thing and you went to most qualified insurance executives in his father at Logans since 1984 and was the races and sales all the time. Australia not just in horses. Richard’s wife able to step into the ‘stirrups’ without a lot There was only one career choice for Cecilia hails from the Kruger family who of fuss. He recalls meeting Gai when he Richard and that was horse insurance. own the famous Lyndhurst Stud at Warwick was about eight-years-old. “The one thing He liked the horses and the people but to in Queensland. They have a daughter, Iso- that strikes me about Gai, to this day, is get there his parents insisted on a proper bel and a son, Oliver. that she is enthusiastic, happy, remembers general insurance education. At the time Whilst Lorraine has stepped back from your name and always says hello, winks or insurance was more an apprentice type the business Richard’s sister, Mandy, is the waves. She hasn’t changed in all this time. training. He attended TAFE at night doing Office Manager and his brother, Andrew To genuinely love people is a remarkable the insurance course and worked during the has his own general insurance broking and exhausting trait. She cherishes her day. He went to the University of Technolo- business based in the Sydney CBD. friendships and has the utmost respect for gy, Sydney part time and did a BA of Busi- Logans had its beginnings 50 years ago loyalty.” ness with a Finance major and Insurance and its success has been built on trust, Richard had always been interested in sub-major (which was introduced towards loyalty, customer service and of course TJ’s horses spending many hours going to the the end of the degree). All this while work- prophetic words to pay claims without fuss. races, studs and horse sales with his father ing for Logans including stints in London, Both Logans and Tulloch Lodge are very when he was young. He went to boarding the world centre of insurance and New Zea- proud of their 40 year relationship. ▣

www.gaiwaterhouse.com.au 35 Racehorse Insurance - Short and Simple

Father and son, Bob and Rich- Frequently asked questions.... ard Logan

Why Insure? jiggles everything back into Horses are high risk. Whilst they are place. It can be a very serious majestic they are 600kg with a small brain condition and is a leading and a poor genetic makeup. In particular in cause of death. the first year after purchase everything they Broken bones in horses can do is new or changes. For example they are be catastrophic particularly if taken from a stud environment, broken in, associated with a leg. A horse taken to the track, barrier trialled, raced. needs its four rather slim but They also can have change in feed and muscular legs and hooves to physical conditioning, all this whilst they support its 600kg body. If it are still growing and developing physically suffers an injury to one leg or and mentally. hoof then invariably another leg starts to have problems What does it cover? like laminitis. A smashed or The standard cover is mortality (death) and compounded fracture almost equal to the best in the world. Randwick includes humane destruction, transit around certainly ends in the destruction of the Equine Clinic, its vets and facilities, are Australia and New Zealand and theft. horse. Slings and flotation tanks have been considered one of the top racehorse practic- Humane destruction is determined by the tried but with limited success. es in the world. In many cases the medical horse being so badly injured or sick that it Laminitis is where the blood supply to treatments available to horses are equal to meets the Veterinary Association humane the hoof becomes compromised either by what is available to humans. Despite access destruction guidelines to prevent unbear- lack of blood flow or infection. The same to the best medical treatment and the best able, ongoing long term pain and suffering. four leg/600kg theory applies. A horse can- stabling facilities, horses do die and do not survive on three legs for very long. things to themselves or have illnesses that What sum insured can I have? Accidents occur all the time and can in- necessitate humane destruction. In the first year up to the purchase price of clude being cast in a stable or yard, putting the share and thereafter it must represent its foot down wrong in a gallop, getting on What is the cost? the current market value of the horse. and off a horse truck or just kicking out at a Including all the government charges the wall, fence or tree. One of the most unusual cost is around $400 per $10,000. Costs do Can I insure against breakdown, events we have seen is a horse that put his vary according to age and use. For example loss of potential income or the head through a gate and strangled himself. a flatracer is less than a hurdler. Each state horse not being able to race or win? No matter how long you are involved in the has different stamp duty and therefore the No. The only cover you can buy for a year- horse industry there is always something location of the horse also affects the cost. ling/racehorse is based around the concept new that surprises you that a horse does to NSW has the lower stamp duty. of mortality (death). As they get older and kill itself. The analogy that you insure your car go to stud there are other covers that are Wobbler Syndrome is where there is a before you leave the showroom is a good available. compression caused by calcification on the one. With a car you can park it in a garage spinal cord and causes ataxia (un-coordi- and pretty much nothing can go wrong. You What can go wrong? nation) of the limbs. At its worst the horse normally don’t think twice about insuring Here are some examples of recent claims; is recumbent and unable to get up which your car. A horse on the other hand can be Colic is where the intestine becomes necessitates humane euthanasia. There is locked in a padded cell and still find a way blocked. In many cases with surgery it can very little medically that can be done for to harm or kill itself if an illness doesn’t be un-twisted, or where that part of the in- the horse and it is a long term condition. get it first. The insurance decision is an im- testine is dead, resected and sewed together. portant part of owning a horse and softens In other cases the horse clears the blockage What about veterinary care? the blow if the unexpected occurs. In many after treatment with paraffin oil or it can be The veterinary care available through spe- cases our clients use the funds to buy back even as simple as transporting them which cialist equine clinics in Australia, are into another horse. ▣

36 www.gaiwaterhouse.com.au www.gaiwaterhouse.com.au 37 RECENT WINNERS Hampton Court (Redoute’s Choice x Roses ‘n’ Wine)

2YO HANDICAP Newcastle 19 March 2014

Photo by Bradley Photography

Valentia (Fastnet Rock x Smart Company)

Group 2 SKYLINE STAKES Royal Randwick 15 March 2014

Photo by Lisa Grimm

38 www.gaiwaterhouse.com.au Shahad (Fastnet Rock x Shamekha)

HANDICAP 1250m Canterbury 12 March 2014

Photo by Bradley Photography

Diamond Drille (Al Maher x Damzelle Pedrille)

Group 3 IRISH ECHO ASPIRATION QUALITY 1600m Photo by Bradley Photography Royal Randwick

15 March 2014 www.gaiwaterhouse.com.au 39 Speedy Without A Single Doubt

By Bruce Slade and David Rorison Photo by Need for Steed Aus. Steed for Need by Photo Ryan Pendergast breaking in Not a Single Doubt x Speedy Bell

Exciting filly by Not A Single Doubt from Speedy Bell. Since retiring, Not a Single Doubt has produced 21 stakes winners including Group 1 Blue Dia- mond winner Miracles of Life, Magic

Millions winner Karuta Queen, 2014 Photo by Need for Steed Aus. Oaks bound Gypsy Diamond and re- cent Group 2 Challenge Stakes winner Villa Verde who was early favourite for the 2013 Golden Slipper

s the Autumn Carnival gets focus was simple: let’s play to our strengths Millions winner Karuta Queen, 2014 Oaks into full swing our atten- and secure for our clients the most forward bound Gypsy Diamond and recent Group 2 tion is drawn towards the and precocious stock available. Then let’s Challenge Stakes winner Villa Verde who elite class racing with a leave them in the hands of the world’s lead- was early favourite for the 2013 Golden strongA focus on arguably the most import- ing 2YO trainer (Gai Waterhouse) to devel- Slipper. ant event for the Australian thoroughbred op and train them into the best racehorses Her dam Speedy Bell won the 1999 breeding and racing industry, the Tooheys they can be. Remember 2YO form is the Gimcrack Stakes, and has produced a New Group 1 Golden Slipper. No race MOST valuable form in terms of maximiz- stakes-winner already in Speedy Natalie (Al has a greater impact on the value of your ing the dollar in your racing experience. Maher) who won as a 2YO before going on thoroughbred than the Slipper and Gai has One of the standout purchases of the sale to win the Group 3 Adrian Knox Stakes as mastered the race, winning it on five occa- was an exciting filly by Not A Single Doubt a 3YO. sions including the last two runnings. Can from Speedy Bell. As is often the case, This high quality filly has been already you name her winners? 2YO speed breeds 2YO speed and this filly broken-in at Tulloch Lodge under the For all those lucky enough to enjoy a genetically could have BEEN RACING watchful eye of Gai and: runner over the carnival, they can appreci- YESTERDAY. Yes – she is as éarly’as they come ate the process of identifying, purchasing Her Arrowfield based sire won three And, and the training a horse of this quality to times at as a 2YO including the Canonbury Yes – we do have shares available peak on these big days. Stakes, and ran second behind Dance Hero ($24,674 per 10%). At the Magic Millions yearling sales in the Magic Millions 2YO Classic. Since Round Table Racing, with the help of Gai retiring Not a Single Doubt has produced Just say YES, you will find that it is and James Harron, made their mark by se- 21 stakes winners including Group 1 Blue amazing where this one word can take you. curing a host of exciting young talent. Our Diamond winner Miracles of Life, Magic Call Bruce Slade on 0400505238. ▣

www.gaiwaterhouse.com.au 41 BOBS Extra Scheme To Pay Broodmare Owners

By Ric Chapman

rather large percentage of set out in the Australian Stud Book) of any BOBS Bonus, but also the new broodmare owners with Gai trained hors- horse who wins a BOBS or BOBS Extra BOBS Extra bonus. es are breeders themselves, bonus. It’s a tremendous incentive for breeders so they are going to just love So, to explain, the registered breeder of a to breed quality horses and race them in whatA Racing NSW has decided to do. broodmare whose BOBS nominated proge- NSW. Listening to the requests and pleas of ny is successful at a Saturday metropolitan As a further reminder, the current crop owners, Racing NSW will reward certain race meeting, will automatically receive a of yearlings, that is, those born in 2012 in breeders who own brood mares. Those $500 BOBS bonus. Payments will be made NSW, are BOBS-eligible if they are sired breeders with broodmares are going to be at the same percentage rate of the BOBS by a NSW-based stallion that is paid up as a paid under the new BOBS Bonus Brood- bonus across all races in NSW excluding BOBS sire. The BOBS scheme pays out for mare Scheme, for their progeny winning Group and Listed races. winners up to and including 3YOs. races in town. In January of this year, In order to receive this bonus, the regis- The BOBS Extra Broodmare Scheme Racing NSW announced this significant tered breeder must complete a BOBS Mare pays up to the age of four. ▣ expansion to the hugely successful Breeders Bonus form within 6 months of the date of Owners Bonus Scheme (BOBS), by finally the horse’s win. Visit the BOBS webpage to including broodmares. This means that when Overreach wins register for the 2014 racing As of now, Racing NSW will pay a 2.5% again for instance, her breeder, George season with your yearlings. BOBS Bonus to the registered breeder (as Altomonte, will then receive the traditional www.racingnsw.com.au.

Owner/breeder of champion filly Overreach, George Altomonte and foreman John Livingstone Photo by Bradley Photography

42 www.gaiwaterhouse.com.au