In a captivating episode of “The Howie Games,” legendary Australian horse trainer Gai Waterhouse shared a rare glimpse into her interactions with Queen Elizabeth II.
When the Queen of England needed someone to train her prized horses, the call wasn’t just a routine message— it was a royal moment, and when Gai got the call to train Carlton House, a horse with a reputation as a “barrier rogue,” she was thrilled. Despite narrowly missing out on a win in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes, hers truly politely told Gai that she had won more prize money with her horse in Australian than all of her horses put together in England.
What made these interactions truly special was the direct communication with the Queen. Gai described how the process involved a series of calls, eventually leading to a conversation with the Queen herself. The Queen, she said, was incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about her horses.
“She loved talking with her trainers,” Gai recalled, adding that the Queen’s love for her horses was evident in every conversation. Although they never won a race together, the Queen’s appreciation for Gai’s efforts shone through in their discussions, highlighting a bond that transcended mere formalities.
This extraordinary connection between one of Australia’s most famous trainers and the Queen of England offers a fascinating look into the world of elite horse racing and the unexpected moments that come with it.
For Gai’s chat with Howie and so much more, listen today.