George Souris MP

Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Hospitality and Racing Minister for the Arts

MEDIA RELEASE
Tuesday 5 November, 2013

NSW RACING MINISTER CONGRATULATES GAI WATERHOUSE

Minister for Racing, George Souris, has congratulated leading Sydney trainer Gai Waterhouse on her first Melbourne Cup win with Fiorente. This victory crowns Gai as the undisputed queen of the turf and has written her into racing history, Mr Souris said. Gais latest and greatest success reinforces the fact that she is not only o ne of Australias best trainers of thoroughbreds, but one of the best in the world. Her superb feat with Fiorente has further enhanced her standing. Mr Souris said Gai Waterhouse was the custodian of a proud family racing tradition with her legendary late father, Tommy Smith, not only having dominated Australias racing scene for many years, but having won two Melbourne Cups with Toparoa in 1955 and Just A Dash in 1981. It was wonderful to hear Gai tell the public that she now planned to equal dad and win a second Melbourne Cup. I am sure her father would be proud of todays effort. After all, she has come tantalisingly close so often, having trained three runners-up, including todays winner in last years Melbourne Cup. NSW is looking forward now more than ever to Gai's leading role in the new Royal Randwick 2014 Autumn Carnival.

Media: Norm Lipson 0467 734 679 or Hugh Cavill 0408 235 997.