How Old is Gai Waterhouse? Who is Gai Waterhouse's Husband?

How Old is Gai Waterhouse? Learn more about Gai Waterhouse's life and find out how old she is as of the current date.

by Madhumitha

Updated Oct 14, 2023

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How Old is Gai Waterhouse? Who is Gai Waterhouse's Husband?
FreshersLive

How Old is Gai Waterhouse?

Gai Waterhouse, born on 2 September 1954, is currently 69 years old, as of 2023. She is an accomplished Australian horse trainer and businesswoman, widely celebrated for her outstanding career in the world of Thoroughbred horse racing. Gai's pedigree in the industry is notable, being the daughter of Tommy J. Smith, a renowned Thoroughbred racehorse trainer.

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Born and raised in Sydney, she followed in her father's footsteps after graduating from the University of New South Wales, even though she initially pursued acting and had roles in both Australian and English television series.

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Who is Gai Waterhouse?

Gai Waterhouse is an Australian horse trainer and businesswoman. Her impressive journey in horse racing began when she worked under her father's tutelage for 15 years. Her passion and dedication paid off, and in 1992, she was granted an Australian Jockey Club (AJC) license. That very year, she trained her first Group One (G1) winner, marking the start of a highly successful career.

In 1994, when her father's health declined, she took over his Tulloch Lodge stable and has since become one of Australia's most accomplished horse trainers. Over the years, she has trained an impressive 145 G1 winners and secured seven Sydney trainers' premierships.

Among her many achievements, Gai Waterhouse is notably the trainer of Fiorente, the winner of the 2013 Melbourne Cup, making her the third woman and the first Australian woman to train a Melbourne Cup champion.

Her contributions to Australian horse racing were recognized in 2007 when she was inducted into the Australian Racing Hall of Fame. Gai Waterhouse is often referred to as the "first lady of Australian racing" and continues to be a prominent and influential figure in the sport, leaving an indelible mark on the Thoroughbred horse racing world.

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
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Who is Gai Waterhouse's Husband?

Gai Waterhouse is married to Robert Waterhouse. Robert Waterhouse, a prominent Australian figure within the realm of horse racing, boasts a diverse and multifaceted role. He's not merely a businessman; he has also earned recognition as a form specialist, punter, and bookmaker. Born into a family deeply entrenched in the racing world, Robert is the son of the illustrious Bill Waterhouse, which further solidifies his pedigree in the industry.

Together, they constitute a formidable force in the racing world, with their combined expertise and influence making a significant impact. The Waterhouse family's connection to horse racing is further extended through their son, Tom Waterhouse, who has established his reputation as a bookmaker.

The Waterhouse family, therefore, represents a dynastic presence in the racing industry, with Robert's multifaceted involvement, both as a form specialist and bookmaker, playing a pivotal role in their continued success and prominence.

Full Name

Robert Waterhouse

Occupation

Businessman, Form Specialist, Punter, and Bookmaker

Father

Bill Waterhouse

Spouse

Gai Waterhouse

Children

Tom Waterhouse and Kate Waterhouse

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Gai Waterhouse Early Life

Gai Waterhouse is the daughter of Valerie and Tommy J. Smith, a well-known trainer of thoroughbred racehorses in Sydney. She went to school at the Convent of the Sacred Heart in Rose Bay (now Kincoppal-Rose Bay) in Sydney, and she later completed a Bachelor of Arts at the University of New South Wales in 1975.

Initially, Gai made a name for herself as a model and actor, even appearing in the Australian drama series, The Young Doctors, before heading to England and making an appearance in the Doctor Who story, The Invasion of Time. However, her true passion lay in horse racing, so she returned to Australia and spent fifteen years apprenticing under her father, learning the ropes before eventually earning her trainer's license.

Gai Waterhouse Career

Gai Waterhouse's journey in the world of horse racing was filled with challenges and successes. She was granted her Australian Jockey Club (AJC) license in January 1992, 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 with the horse Gifted Poet, followed by her first Group One victory with Te Akau Nick in the Metropolitan Handicap in October of that same year. After her father, T. J. Smith, fell ill, he entrusted her with the Tulloch Lodge stable in the 1994–95 season. Gai Waterhouse gained significant recognition in Australia when Nothin' Leica Dane came second in the Melbourne Cup in 1995, a remarkable feat for a three-year-old.

She continued to achieve 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, making her the first Australian woman and the second female trainer to claim this prestigious race. Her career in horse racing has been marked by both triumphs and controversies, such as her publicized dispute with owner John Singleton.

Gai Waterhouse Awards

  • Australian Sports Medal (2000): Gai Waterhouse received this award in recognition of her exceptional dedication and contributions to thoroughbred racing.
  • 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.
  • Australian Racing's Hall of Fame (November 2007): Following in her father T. J. Smith's illustrious footsteps, Gai was inducted into the Australian Racing Hall of Fame, further cementing her status as a legendary figure in the industry.
  • 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.


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How Old is Gai Waterhouse - FAQs

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.

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