Gai Waterhouse not wishing upon a Star despite double success with Denise Martin
ONE of the most potent Magic Millions forces ever was reunited after a tumultuous week when Driefontein and Whittington won yesterday.
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ONE of the most potent Magic Millions forces ever was reunited after a tumultuous week when Driefontein and Whittington won at the Gold Coast yesterday.
Gai Waterhouse has been synonymous with Star Thoroughbreds for nearly 20 years but Star's Denise Martin dropped a bombshell last Sunday when she announced she was taking her business to premier trainer Chris Waller.
For the first time ever, Waterhouse and Martin were rivals at last week's Magic Millions Sales and in the first three sessions signed for 34 and 17 yearlings between them respectively. Waterhouse's new syndication arm, Round Table, added 14 yearlings to Gai's haul.
On Magic Millions day they have won the 2YO Classic with Driefontein, Cup with Theseo and Stayer's Cup with Kinnersley, in addition to yesterday's double.
The common link yesterday was Tommy Berry, who was in masterful form completing an early treble.
Both Waterhouse and Martin remain publicly adamant the split was amicable and Martin left the Star horses currently in training with Waterhouse.
The first lady of racing did her bit yesterday, having both Driefontein and Whittington spot on for their MM assignments.
"I'm a great believer in looking forward," Waterhouse said. "Denise decided to make a move and we all move on.
"But she's still got the horses of racing age with me and you will see the purple and white many more times in the money over the autumn."
Martin praised Waterhouse for having the two horses ready to win on a major day.
"We're good mates," Martin said.
"Driefontein means gold mine. She is out of a mare called Follow Gold and with nearly $2 million prizemoney, she's proven to be well-named. She's just been sensational for the people involved in her."
Driefontein will be aimed at the Coolmore Classic in pursuit of a maiden Group 1 win.
This was her third start on the Coast track and first time she has been first past the post.
She won the Magic Millions 2YO Classic on protest two years ago and was then third to Saluter in last year's Guineas.
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