Sydney Spring Carnival: Epsom Day at Royal Randwick Racecourse to bring out the best horses, jockeys and fashion

QUEEN of racing Gai Waterhouse is aiming to take the title of outright record-holder for most Epsom Handicap wins from her legendary father Tommy Smith at Randwick on Saturday.

WARNING - HOLD FOR DAILY TELEGRAPH SATURDAY 12TH OF SEPTEMBER. Pictured is Gai Waterhouse and Tommy Berry with horse Ozzy, at Royal Randwick Racecourse today for the Sydney Spring Carnival Launch. Picture: Tim Hunter.

QUEEN of racing Gai Waterhouse is hoping to become the outright record-holder for most Epsom Handicap wins at Randwick on Saturday, overtaking her legendary father, Tommy Smith.

Waterhouse has recroded seven Epsom wins - the same record number helf by her trainer father the late TJ Smith.

She also holds the record for the most Metropolitan wins (eight) – also to be run on Saturday – one more than TJ.

“I don’t know about records, but I will just be there trying to kick another goal,” Waterhouse said at the Sydney Spring Carnival launch at Royal Randwick Racecourse.

“There’s no use being a horse trainer and not being a good one.

“It’s no use if you’re coming here. This carnival attracts the best horses, the best trainers and the best jockeys.”

Racing identities, Gai Waterhouse, former jockey Darren Beadman, trainer Peter Snowden, jockey Hugh Bowman, trainer Michael Hawkes, jockey Tommy Berry and trainer Chris Waller at Royal Randwick Racecourse. Picture: Dan Himbrechts

Epsom Day is the pinnacle day of this year’s Sydney Spring Carnival, which has had a $2 million injection in prizemoney this year.

“We’re all here because of the money. We’re here because we love you ATC, but we’re also here because you’ve increased prizemoney,” she said.

“And, of course, the Epsom signature race is now worth $1 million, it’s serious prizemoney.”

The hot favourite for the third main race on Saturday, the Flight Stakes, is Waterhouse’s Speak Fondly.

Waterhouse has an impressive history in the Flight Stakes winning it six times, but it’s far from her dad’s record-holding 14 firsts.

Sydney Spring Carnival Ambassadors South Sydney Rabbitohs players Tom and George Burgess with former NRL player Luke Ricketson, at Royal Randwick Racecourse. Picture: Tim Hunter

Waterhouse also provided a tip for the Breeders Plate on Saturday – Kiss And Make Up.

An inspired name for the colt as it has brought Waterhouse and owner John Singleton back together again after their public spat over the More Joyous affair in 2013.

“We have an elite field of horses and that’s really why people come. It’s the race day experience they come for and of course they dress for it,” she said.

One woman preparing to put her best fashion foot forward at Epsom Day is Waterhouse’s daughter Kate who will be trackside with husband and fellow Spring Carnival ambassador Luke Ricketson.

Spring Carnival ambassador Kate Waterhouse at Royal Randwick Racecourse. Picture: Dan Himbrechts

“When I think of coming to Royal Randwick I think of colour – I love to wear black – but for spring racing, it’s synonymous with wearing a bit of colour,” she said.

In season racewear includes pastel colours, 1970s fringing and bell sleeves as well as prints, according to Ms Waterhouse.

“There are not a lot of rules, except that hats have to be straw for spring, summer, and felt is for autumn, winter. Beautiful 1970s floppy hats, floral headpieces, and crowns are in this season,” she said.

Sydney Spring Carnival Ambassador Kate Waterhouse at Royal Randwick. Picture: Tim Hunter

Epsom Day will offer themed bars and live music. All 2015 NRL Grand Final Ticket holders will be granted free course admission by scanning their NRL Grand Final ticket through the General Admission turnstiles.

Gates open 11am. General admission is $40.

More at theraces.com.au