Waterhouse to be inducted into Hall Of Fame
Gai Waterhouse is set to receive racing’s highest honour when she is inducted into the Hall Of Fame later this year.
Waterhouse, who was awarded the AO (Officer of the Order of Australia) in 2021, will join an honour roll that includes the likes of her late father Tommy Smith at the Perth event in November.
“Gai Waterhouse became the name and face of Australian racing from the time she obtained her trainer’s licence in Sydney in 1992, after a tenacious campaign,” Racing and Wagering Western Australia, which will host the event, said.
“Those of all ages took inspiration from her determination to pursue her profession independently of her husband’s livelihood – and to make her reputation independently of her famous father and mentor, TJ (Tommy) Smith.
“Uniquely, the daughter of a racing legend becomes a legend herself in the Australian Racing Hall of Fame.”
Meanwhile, another stalwart of the training ranks is set to be honoured with four-time Golden Slipper Stakes (Gr 1, 1200m) winner Clarry Conners to be inducted into the Hall Of Fame.
“Trainer Clarry Conners will be inducted as one of the greats of the racing industry, honouring wins in four Golden Slippers, three VRC Oaks, and back-to-back Triple Crowns among his remarkable achievements.”
Waterhouse and Conners, who took out a licence at the age of 21 and still trains out of Warwick Farm, will be conducted into the Hall of Fame alongside leviathan owner Bob Peters.
Jockey Frank Teen Snr has also been awarded the highest accolade, while in the thoroughbred category, the racing feats of champion horses Baguette (Rego), Emancipation (Bletchingly) and Miss Andretti (Ihtiram) will be celebrated at the ceremony, which will be held at the Optus Stadium in Perth on November 23.