The horse racing industry has had a long and endearing impact on Australia’s history.
Hyde Park in Sydney held the first ever race meeting in the country in 1810 which was sanctioned by Governor Macquarie.
On that day, the grandstand was positioned so that the sun wasn’t in Mrs Macquarie’s eyes, and the horses raced anti clockwise for this same reason.
Our sport is full of these stories, often told by colourful personalities both on and off the track itself, and they form a mixing pot of excitement that has attracted people for the majority of the country’s existence.
These contagious and attractive personalities are essential for the sport not only to create a fun and entertaining environment, but to advertise the passion and enthusiasm that people within the industry have for both the sport and the animal.
None have done the sport of horse racing more service in this regard than Gai Waterhouse and on Saturday the Gai Waterhouse Classic will be run and won for another year.
Given little choice whether she would be interested in thoroughbreds considering her father was one of the greatest trainers we have ever witnessed, her passion and exuberance for the sport could be seen at an early age.
The term ‘nepo baby’ didn’t exist when she decided to train on her own in 1992, but I’m sure she faced her share of criticism within the industry.
Developing a steely grit, thick skin and all encompassing positive attitude was not only essential for her to be successful in a male dominated sport at that time, but she quickly became an expert in communications for potential owners and networking affiliates.
Her success as a trainer and entrepreneur can not be argued and the legacy she forged has pathed the way for so many young women.
As she has gotten older, and gone into partnership with her co trainer Adrian Bott, her positivity and smile has gone nowhere.
In fact, her persona in the media has only grown and the sport is the better for it.
If there is a better ambassador for horse racing I can’t even imagine what it would look like and the yanks even plucked her out to the states recently for the Kentucky Oaks/Derby.
The first lady of Australian racing can be described in a similar way she trains her horses.
Bold, setting the pace out in front, looking magnificent and tough as nails.
Never change Gai.