A GIANT in Australian horse racing, Gai Waterhouse can boast the best run training operation in the world. The New South Wales native was born on September 2, 1954 and her admirable work ethics, combined with important natural talent has left waves in her water sport. Three and a half decades on, Waterhouse remains a force to be reckoned with as one of Australia’s premier horse trainers and her record in the sport has marked her out for inclusion among the best.
Table of Contents
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Gabriel Marie “Gai” Waterhouse AO |
| Date of Birth | September 2, 1954 |
| Age | 70 years (as of 2024) |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Occupation | Horse Trainer, Businesswoman |
| Father | Tommy J. Smith (Legendary Horse Trainer) |
| Mother | Valerie Smith |
| Spouse | Robbie Waterhouse (Bookmaker) |
| Children | Tom Waterhouse (Businessman, Online Betting), Kate Waterhouse (Fashion Editor) |
| Net Worth (2024) | $65 million AUD |
| Career Milestones | First Australian woman to train a Melbourne Cup winner (Fiorente, 2013) |
| Group One Wins | Over 145 |
| Sydney Trainers’ Premierships | 7 |
| Business Ventures | Gai Waterhouse Racing, Real Estate Investments |
| Key Partnerships | Adrian Bott (Co-trainer at Tulloch Lodge) |
| Notable Awards | Australian Racing Hall of Fame (2007), Australian Living Treasure |
| Philanthropy | Waterhouse/Bott Golf Classic for Equine Pathways Australia |
| Notable Horses | Fiorente, Tempestuous, Osmose, Tremonti, Raf Attack |
Early Life and Career Early years
They were the formative years in Gai Waterhouse’s quest into horse racing. The daughter of legendary horse trainer Tommy J. Smith, Waterhouse was raised in racing and possesses an extensive knowledge of the sport. With such a strong racing connection, her path in life no longer seemed to venture down the same racetrack. After finishing her schooling at the University of New South Wales Gai turned to acting, however it was horse racing that eventually drew her back.
The horsewoman cut her teeth in the training of thoroughbreds while spending 15 years working alongside her father at Tulloch Lodge. It was the time she spent on this period that would pave the way for her later triumphs. She gained her Australian Jockey Club (AJC) license in 1992 making her then a professional trainer. She soon landed her first Group One win and was on an upward course to becoming one of the all-time racing greats.
Ascend to the Top: Pioneering Achievements
Then in 1994, when her father fell ill, Waterhouse assumed the licence at his world-renowned Tulloch Lodge stable — a career defining moment. This led to a quick rise as one of the elite in the trainer ranks with strong leadership. In her career she trained over 145 top-level Group One winners, making her one of the most successful female trainers in history and gained respect as being The First Lady of Australian Racing. Part of that has seen Waterhouse win seven Sydney trainers’ premierships.
She rode her final winner on July 25, 2015 and one of the highlights of Payne’s career was being able to train Fiorente to victory in the Melbourne Cup just months after being granted her licence in 2013. It was a milestone victory as she became the first Australian female trainer to prepare a Melbourne Cup winner and entrenched her place in folklore.
Waterhouse’s feats saw her inducted into the Australian Racing Hall of Fame in 2007. She was also recognised in 1992 by the National Trust of Australia as a “Australian Living Treasure,” marking her influence on Australian sport and culture.
Adrian Bott Partnership & Recent Wins
Waterhouse has since blossomed further in the last few years, forming a successful partnership with Adrian Bott. They who`ve jointly managed Tulloch Lodge and have been long time leaders of the nations training ranks notched another win together. Together, they have ensured its lasting success and continued the legacy of Waterhouse.
In October 2024 they tasted success with a trifecta in the Group 3 Breeders’ Plate at Randwick, while foundation stallion Tremonti was a stakes winner at Flemington with Maribyrnong Trial Stakes winner Tremonti. Through Waterhouse’s ability to identify a good horse and Bott’s expertise in sculpting their careers, they have taken Sydney racing by storm.
Net Worth in 2024: Gai Waterhouse
Waterhouse’s influence is certainly broader than the track. Her net worth is estimated at $65 million AUD as of 2024, which is significantly higher than prior estimates. She has made most of her wealth from horse training, profitable business ventures and wise investments in real estate. Additionally, she have over 100 employees employed by Gai Waterhouse Racing also adding to her wealth.
Family and Legacy
Gai Waterhouse is racing royalty. One of Australia’s best-known trainers, Tommy J. Smith was her father and Robbie Waterhouse is a leading bookmaker who got the group banned in 1997. They have two children, Tom Waterhouse who has emulated his parents with a professional career in online betting and Kate Waterhouse the previously fashion editor for the Sun Herald.
This link to the racing world, through her family, underpins Gai’s career and may set the foundation for a legacy that will continue in future generations.
Community-engaged Philanthropy
Aside from the races, Gai Waterhouse is also well-known for her charitable work. Two months later, she organised the first Golf Classic for her Waterhouse/Bott partnership; after initially hoping to raise just $3,000-$5000 for Equine Pathways Australia — a charity that helps fund equine therapy which provides assistance to veterans and emergency service workers — the event bring in more than $12,000. It was an event that displayed her desire to give back, particularly to matters with ties to the sport she holds dear.
Training Tips and Upcoming Races
Waterhouse is known for her sharp insights into the performance of her horses. Some of her top tips for the 2024 racing season include:
- Tempestuous: Waterhouse is confident about this horse’s debut, noting its strong early speed in trials.
- Osmose: Expected to perform well after showing marked improvement in trials, with good potential at Flemington.
- I’m A Dirty Rascal: After a solid first-up run, Waterhouse anticipates even better results as this horse moves up to a 1900-meter race.
- Raf Attack: Despite a recent dip in form, this horse is poised to bounce back with added distance.
- Tropical Squall: After a disappointing first race, Tropical Squall has improved in training and is set to perform better next time out.
These insights, based on the horses’ recent performances and training sessions, reflect Waterhouse’s meticulous approach to her craft.
Looking Ahead
It might be very soon but it seems that Gai Waterhouse still has many influences left in Australian racing. From her fruitful association with Adrian Bott to her ongoing training victories and philanthropy, she remains a powerful figure in the industry. But as she breeds the next generation of thoroughbreds, her place in his tory as one of Australia’s finest ever horse trainers is secure.
Social Accounts
FAQs-
how old is gai waterhouse?
Gai Waterhouse is 70 years old as of now, having been born on September 2, 1954.
What did Gai Waterhouse do?
Gai Waterhouse is a renowned Australian horse trainer and businesswoman, known for training over 7,000 winners, including more than 145 Group 1 races. She became the first Australian woman to train a Melbourne Cup winner in 2013 with Fiorente. Waterhouse took over her father’s Tulloch Lodge stable in 1994 and has since established herself as a leading figure in the racing industry, winning multiple Sydney trainers’ premierships and earning numerous accolades, including induction into the Australian Racing Hall of Fame.
Who did Gai Waterhouse daughter marry?
Gai Waterhouse’s daughter, Kate Waterhouse, married Luke Ricketson, a former professional rugby league player, in 2012.
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