Gai Waterhouse joins push to keep Oakbank jumps race
A ban on jumps has brought one of the biggest names in Aussie racing and some millionaire backing to a campaign to force out people linked to the controversial call.
Adelaide Hills
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Famed Australian racehorse trainer Gai Waterhouse has joined the campaign to continue jumps racing at Oakbank and preserve almost 150 years of South Australian history.
The Melbourne Cup-winning trainer this week became a member of the Adelaide Hills club and is backing a group intent on unseating the Oakbank board.
Last month Racing SA dumped the sport, claiming it was financially unsustainable and that their decision was fully supported by the Oakbank committee.
The Australian Jumps Racing Association last week offered Racing SA a rescue package of about $500,000 to fund the legendary Great Eastern Steeplechase for a further five years, but was rebuffed.
The offer is understood to have been backed by two prominent millionaires who are successful owners of jumping horses.
In an exclusive interview with the Sunday Mail, Ms Waterhouse said the shock decision was “ridiculous” and a “nail in the coffin” for everyone in the industry.
“Have they all gone mad over there ... it’s just ridiculous,” she said from her training base in Sydney.
“Oakbank at Easter is one of the jewels in the crown of Australian racing but without jumps it’s just another meeting.
“As it stands this decision is a nail in the coffin for all racing – not just jumps and that’s so sad because racing brings people together in a wonderful social way.”
Ms Waterhouse, who trains champion steeplechaser Social Element, is one of 50 member signatures required to call a special meeting of the club.
Organisers will look to spill all board positions, that includes chair Arabella Branson, former chair and current deputy Barney Gask and radio personality Chris Dittmar.
Two board members have already resigned in protest, including Roma Williams, the daughter of Frances Nelson, QC, the recent long-term chair of Racing SA and a strong jumps supporter.
Ms Branson said it had been an “emotionally challenging time” for her board, club members and staff, but denied her committee was “anti-jumps”.
“The members are entitled to vote if they get the numbers but what needs to be made clear is that Racing SA have said its decision will not change,” she said.
“So to remove a highly experienced committee who are doing their utmost and replace it with only jumps racing fans will be dangerous for the ongoing viability of the club.
“As a club we are very vulnerable because we have heritage-listed facilities in significant need of funding.”
Ms Branson, who owns a share in the jumper Drop The Orange, said the club met Racing SA this week to plan for the future.
“We’re excited and motivated about next year’s Easter carnival and the chance to attract a new younger audience,” she said.
“We’re happy to be back racing on Easter Monday, which should please traditionalists. We value the history and contribution jumps racing has made, but it’s time to forge a new history.
“This was not a decision made without compassion for those it affects but sometimes the best decisions are the most difficult ones.”
Racing Minister, Corey Wingard did not respond to the question of whether he supported jumps racing and wished for it to continue.
“The decision not to continue with jumps was made by Racing SA,” Mr Wingard said
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