In the world of Thoroughbred horse racing, the name Gai Waterhouse shines brightly. But just how old is Gai Waterhouse? Let’s delve into her life story and explore the remarkable journey of this Australian horse trainer and businesswoman. We’ll also introduce you to her husband, Robert Waterhouse, and the significant role he plays in the racing industry.
Gai Waterhouse’s Age
Gai Waterhouse’s Birthdate: Gai Waterhouse was born on 2nd September 1954.
Current Age: As of 2023, Gai Waterhouse is 69 years old.
Gai Waterhouse’s life has been nothing short of extraordinary, and her age is just one part of her remarkable story.
The Life of Gai Waterhouse
Gai Waterhouse hails from a prestigious background in horse racing. She is the daughter of Tommy J. Smith, a renowned Thoroughbred racehorse trainer. Born and raised in Sydney, Gai Waterhouse was destined to follow in her father’s footsteps.
Her journey began at the University of New South Wales, where she graduated. However, her initial interests took her into the world of acting, where she featured in Australian and English television series. But the call of horse racing was too strong to resist.
Gai Waterhouse’s passion for horses led her to work under her father’s guidance for 15 years. This dedication paid off when, in 1992, she obtained an Australian Jockey Club (AJC) license. In the same year, she achieved a significant milestone by training her first Group One (G1) winner. This marked the beginning of an illustrious career that would make her a prominent figure in Australian horse racing.
In 1994, Gai Waterhouse took over her father’s Tulloch Lodge stable. Over the years, she would go on to train an impressive 145 G1 winners and secure seven Sydney trainers’ premierships. Among her many accolades, Gai Waterhouse is renowned for training Fiorente, the winner of the 2013 Melbourne Cup. This achievement made her the first Australian woman and the third female trainer to claim this prestigious race.
Her contributions to Australian horse racing were formally acknowledged in 2007 when she was inducted into the Australian Racing Hall of Fame. Gai Waterhouse is affectionately referred to as the “first lady of Australian racing” and continues to be an influential and prominent figure in the world of Thoroughbred horse racing.
| Full Name | Gabriel Marie “Gai” Waterhouse |
| Date of Birth | September 2, 1954 |
| Age (as of 2023) | 69 years |
| Occupation | Horse Trainer and Businesswoman |
| Born in | Sydney, Australia |
| Education | Graduated from the University of New South Wales |
| Spouse | Robbie Waterhouse |
| Children | Tom Waterhouse Kate Waterhouse |
Meet Gai Waterhouse’s Husband
Gai Waterhouse’s life is closely intertwined with her husband, Robert Waterhouse. Robert is not just a business figure but also a multifaceted personality in the racing world. Born into a family deeply rooted in the racing industry, Robert is the son of the renowned Bill Waterhouse, further solidifying his pedigree in horse racing.
Together, Gai and Robert Waterhouse form a formidable force in the racing world. Their combined expertise and influence have made a significant impact on the industry. The Waterhouse family’s connection to horse racing extends further through their son, Tom Waterhouse, who has established himself as a bookmaker.
The Waterhouse family represents a dynastic presence in the racing industry, with Robert’s diverse involvement, including roles as a form specialist, punter, and bookmaker, playing a pivotal role in their continued success and prominence.
Gai Waterhouse’s Early Life
Gai Waterhouse’s early life was marked by a family deeply ingrained in horse racing. She attended the Convent of the Sacred Heart in Sydney and later completed a Bachelor of Arts at the University of New South Wales in 1975. Before fully embracing her passion for horse racing, Gai made a name for herself as a model and actor. She appeared in the Australian drama series, The Young Doctors, and even made an appearance in the Doctor Who story, The Invasion of Time.
However, her true calling was in horse racing, and she spent fifteen years apprenticing under her father, Tommy J. Smith. This invaluable experience laid the foundation for her future as a renowned horse trainer.
Gai Waterhouse’s Career
Gai Waterhouse’s career in the horse racing world was a journey filled with challenges and successes. In January 1992, she obtained her Australian Jockey Club (AJC) license, although it was initially complicated by her husband, Robbie Waterhouse’s involvement in the Fine Cotton scandal, which led to a ban. AJC rules at that time made it difficult for her to get a license as the spouse of a banned person, but this rule was eventually overturned.
Her career as a horse trainer began with her first win in March 1992, and she celebrated her first Group One victory later that same year. After her father’s illness, she took over the Tulloch Lodge stable in the 1994–95 season and continued her family’s legacy in thoroughbred racing. She achieved notable success with numerous Group One wins and Sydney training premierships, equaling her father’s record. Notably, she won her first Melbourne Cup with Fiorente in 2013, becoming the first Australian woman and the second female trainer to achieve this feat. Her career has been marked by both triumphs and controversies, including a publicized dispute with owner John Singleton.
Gai Waterhouse’s Awards
Gai Waterhouse’s remarkable contributions to horse racing have earned her several awards and recognitions, including:
1. Australian Sports Medal (2000): This award acknowledges Gai Waterhouse’s exceptional dedication and contributions to thoroughbred racing.
2. Australian Living Treasure: Nominated as an Australian Living Treasure by the National Trust of Australia, her status as a national icon in the world of horse racing is acknowledged.
3. Australian Racing’s Hall of Fame (November 2007): In 2007, Gai Waterhouse was inducted into the Australian Racing Hall of Fame, further cementing her status as a legendary figure in the industry.
4. Sport Australia Hall of Fame (October 2018): Gai achieved another milestone when she was inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame, a recognition her father had received in 1996. These honors celebrate her enduring impact on Australian horse racing and her lasting legacy in the field.
FAQs about Gai Waterhouse
1. How old is Gai Waterhouse?
Gai Waterhouse was born on September 2, 1954, making her 69 years old as of 2023.
2. Who is Gai Waterhouse’s husband?
Gai Waterhouse is married to Robert Waterhouse, a prominent figure in the world of horse racing and betting.
3. When did Gai Waterhouse’s husband, Robert Waterhouse, gain recognition in the racing industry?
Robert Waterhouse has been a recognized figure in the horse racing industry for his roles as a businessman, form specialist, punter, and bookmaker.
4. What significant role did Gai Waterhouse play in horse racing after her father’s illness?
Gai Waterhouse took over her father T. J. Smith’s Tulloch Lodge stable in the 1994–95 season, continuing her family’s legacy in thoroughbred racing.
5. What was the major achievement of Gai Waterhouse and her husband in horse racing in 2013?
In 2013, Gai Waterhouse and her husband Robert Waterhouse celebrated their first Melbourne Cup win with the horse Fiorente, making Gai the first Australian woman to train a Melbourne Cup champion.
