Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott are having their best season to date, claiming four of the 14 Group 1s.
Waterhouse is arguably the biggest name in Australian racing but it’s her sidekick, Bott who has now taken over at Tulloch Lodge with Waterhouse coming out recently to say, “Adrian’s the boss. The final call goes to him.”
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Bott, who featured on 7 Horse Racing’s program Horses For Courses, backed up these sentiments.
“Ultimately true and that’s where she’s fantastic. She’s really embraced those aspects of the partnership and the business,” he said.
“I’ll never say it’s my final decision, we are a partnership and we have a lot of discussion up to that point.”
Waterhouse and Bott are making their mark in both Melbourne and Sydney. Credit: Getty Images
Waterhouse is often seen at the races kissing cameras and having a good time but Bott gave us a glimpse into what the legendary trainer is like behind the scenes.
“She’s unpredictable on the racecourse, unpredictable anytime really. She’s allowing her real personality to shine through. Off camera she can be a lot more serious when we’re discussing business.”
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“What she has really enjoyed throughout her career is training young people. It’s been a great journey to date, Gai’s been there every step of the way looking over my shoulder.”
The Waterhouse and Bott partnership already have 24 Group 1 wins to their name but are starting to become a formidable partnership across both Sydney and Melbourne.
The pair lead the Sydney Premiership over Chris Waller and are third in Melbourne behind powerhouse training establishments Ciaron Maher & David Eustace and Lindsay Park.
“It takes time to build that team around you. We’ve got a lot of depth across a variety of races in both states.”
Looking ahead to Saturday, Bott has two chances at winning his first Caulfield Cup with Waterhouse in Hoo Ya Mal and Goldman.
Bott may now be ‘the boss’, but he says all decisions are made in consultation with Waterhouse. Credit: Getty Images
“I’ll stick with Hoo Ya Mal, I’ve tipped him two times on the segment now and hopefully he can come through.”
Whilst in Sydney the stable have some big chances in the key lead-ups to the Five Diamonds and Big Dance next month, including two-time Group 1 winner Converge.
“If he’s the Converge of old and at his best, this is a really winnable race for him.”
“I think he’ll run a much improved race for us.”
Stream Horses for Courses on 7plus or catch it on Friday night on 7mate at 6pm AEDT or leading into Saturday’s Horse Racing coverage on 7two at 11am AEDT.
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