Seventh Slipper success for Gai Waterhouse

Farnan give trainer a new record in juvenile event.

Gai Waterhouse registered a record seventh win in the Longines Golden Slipper as Farnan claimed the Group One prize at Rosehill.

Waterhouse’s father, Tommy Smith, saddled six winners of the prestigious juvenile event, but the Hugh Bowman-ridden Farnan, who is jointly-trained by Adrian Bott, took her past that tally with a convincing victory.

Bowman pushed forward early from his wide draw and Farnan soon took control, finding plenty up the straight to see off Away Game by a length and three-quarters in style. Mamaragan was back in third.

Waterhouse was not at Rosehill, which was closed to members of the public due to the coronavirus pandemic, but she watched the race on television and was delighted to see her charge chalk up a fourth career winner.

“It’s a thrill and a relief that he’s won it – it’s an absolute dream come true,” Waterhouse told Network Seven.

“This is a very special race and it takes a really exceptional horse, both mentally and physically, to do it.

“You saw his barrier speed, you saw his cruising speed and then the toughness in the straight when he was being attacked by all the rest of the field. But he’s just too good.”

It was the first Golden Slipper Waterhouse has won in partnership with Bott, who became her training partner midway through 2016.

She added: “I just get such a kick out of it because Adrian is involved and he was superb to put his hand up and come into the business and take it over from me – he’s just absolutely flying. He’s a very special young man.”

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