Top honours for Gai Waterhouse and Anamoe at Perth ceremony

2022 Cox Plate champion Anamoe was crowned Australian Racehorse of the Year at a glamorous celebration at Optus Stadium yesterday.

Now in retirement, Anamoe stands as Godolphin’s most triumphant horse at Group 1 level, solidifying his status as one of the most distinguished Australian stallions in history.

At the same event, the first lady of Australian racing, Gai Waterhouse AO, was elevated to Legend status as part of the Australian Racing Hall of Fame inductions.

Always a trailblazer in the racing world, Ms Waterhouse added to her list of unprecedented achievements as a leading trainer by being the first woman to gain the ultimate honour.

Even more rarely, she is the only Legend to join the ranks in successive generations of a single family.

Ms Waterhouse and her father, Tommy ‘TJ’ Smith claim two places on the ultra-exclusive list of just nine of the most famous names in Australian racing including Carbine, Phar Lap and Bart Cummings.

The prestigious Hall of Fame also welcomed three West Australian icons into its ranks – with champion racehorse Miss Andretti, leading owner Bob Peters and top jockey Frank Treen’s contributions to the sport now immortalised.

Kalgoorlie-born jockey Rod ‘Rocket’ Kemp was honoured with the Australian Spirit of Racing Award for his dedication to thoroughbred racing.

Racing and Wagering Western Australia CEO Ian Edwards said it was a privilege to host an event that brought together the best of the best in the world of thoroughbred racing.

“Hosting an event that unites the current stars with the legends who shaped our sport is an extraordinary honour,” Ian said.

“The first Group 1 race of The Pinnacles provides the perfect backdrop for this special occasion, and we look forward to showcasing some of the best racing WA has to offer with the $1.5million Railway Stakes on Saturday.”

The joint Australian Racing Hall of Fame and Australian Racehorse of the Year event was held at Optus Stadium on Thursday, 23 November, hosted by Racing WA, Racing Australia and Australian Racing Museum.