JUST over 150 people braved the winter cold to head to Mowbray racecourse last night to hear Australia’s top thoroughbred trainer Chris Waller’s views on racing.
Billed as “A Night with Chris Waller” it ended up being a night to remember as Waller revealed all in a candid interview that touched on all aspects of his life and what he does and has put in place to help ensure he has longevity at the top of the trainer’s tree in Sydney.
He also spoke openly about what affect the recent sudden death of fellow Sydney trainer Guy Walter had on him and how he handled the offer from Darley to take over the reins from Peter Snowden when he announced he was leaving the Sheik’s Australian racing enterprise earlier this year.
Waller was emotional and humorous as he told his story to a captivated audience how he went from having just a couple of horses in 2000 and two maxed out credit cards to where he is today.
He said he takes nothing for granted and, despite his enormous success, he considers himself a normal person “just like everyone else in this room.”
Not one of the devotees who attended the event walked away disappointed.
Tasmania’s first lady of racing and Australia’s leading syndicator of racehorses Denise Martin of Star Thoroughbreds also took to the stage and she revealed why she recently broke a 20-year partnership with Gai Waterhouse and why she wanted to team up with Waller at Rosehill.
Waller said he arrived in Australia with the hope of making a living but at no stage did he expect to take his business to the heights it has reached in recent years.
He rates Darren Beadman as the best jockey he has seen ride and said Gai Waterhouse is the best rival trainer.
He also declared Black Caviar as the best horse he has seen race.
Waller is about to win his fourth consecutive Sydney Metropolitan trainer’s premiership with an overall season tally of winners about to exceed 200 of which over 160 have been on metropolitan tracks.
Listen to what Waller had to say about the Darley offer and how the sudden death of Guy Walter affected his outlook on life and in particular staying healthy.