Waterhouse women talk about success away from the track

WHILE Gai Waterhouse’s accomplishments on the track are much celebrated, her family could be what really puts her out in front.

Life as a Waterhouse woman

THE Waterhouse women have opened up on what life is like as part of Australian racing royalty.

Horse trainer Gai Waterhouse is well known for her accomplishments on the track, but like most women, she worries that she should be spending more time with her family.

“I don’t know if I’ve been a very good grandma at present, I haven’t had enough time with my granddaughters,” Ms Waterhouse told Vogue in an interview to be published this month.

“And that’s probably one of the greatest things … you’ve got a very small window to get to know them and bond with them.

“And I’m very tied up with the horses and I’m also very tied up with Rob, my husband. So I don’t get the time I should. So I’m thinking very much in the future, how can I spend more time with my granddaughters.”

Ms Waterhouse has been photographed for Vogue magazine to celebrate the start of the Australian Turf Club Sydney Spring Carnival.

Photos were taken at the Waterhouse family property in the NSW Southern Highlands and also feature her daughter Kate, with baby Sophia as well as her son’s wife Hoda and their toddler Rose.

When asked what she thought of her famous mother, Kate said she really admires her energy.

“A lot of the time I wish I could be more like her. She’s got so much energy. She’ll be doing three things at once, but she’s also very caring at the same time. She’s a huge inspiration.”

Kate said she thought her daughter could learn a lot from Gai.

“I’m very honoured to have such amazing women in my family. They’ve taught us to do what we want to do and my mum has fought so many battles to do what she wants,” she said.

“It means so much for her to encourage us to be who we want to be. And just to be happy as well. Like with mum – she’s such a great businesswoman but she also has that family relationship as well, with my dad.

“They’ve been married for over 30 years and yet they’re still so in love and think that’s also a really nice side to it. She cares more for the family side of it than the business part of it. I think that’s a really big balancing act … I hope I can instil that in my life and show Sophia.”

When asked how she would feel if her granddaughters took up the reins and entered the family business, Gai Waterhouse joked: “Oh God help them if they become trainers — they’ll never have enough sleep, I can tell you.”

Vogue editor Edwina McCann said the publication was proud to be a partner of the ATC again this year and a feature on the Waterhouse women was a great way to celebrate the start of the Sydney Spring Carnival.

“Gai is the first lady of Australian horse racing and the matriarch of the Waterhouse dynasty, and being able to shoot her with Kate and Hoda and their darling daughters was a very special opportunity for us,” Ms McCann said.

“Vogue loves to celebrate powerful and iconic Australian women and families and the Waterhouse women are certainly that.”

Read more in the next issue of Vogue, available on October 13.