Wednesday, 1 October 2003: "Racing royalty" Kate Waterhouse - daughter of leading thoroughbred trainer Gai and granddaughter of racing legend Tommy ‘TJ’ Smith – has joined Damien Oliver and Lee Freedman as the 2003 Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival Ambassadors.
Speaking at the official launch of the Spring Racing Carnival at Federation Square Victorian Premier Steve Bracks said this year’s 50-day event, promoted by Racing Victoria Limited (RVL), was expected to draw record crowds and has attracted the largest entry of international horses ever.
Incorporating more than 80 race meetings in both country and metropolitan Victoria, Mr Bracks said the SRC provided a massive boost to the State’s national and international profile and economy, generating more than $350 million last year.
“The Spring Racing Carnival which runs from today until November 19, is one of the biggest sporting events in Australia,” he said.
“With record crowds expected, record numbers of international entries and our own world-beating trainers and jockeys, the 2003 Carnival will be a truly great event.”
The Minister for Tourism and Racing John Pandazopoulos said the Government would provide funding of up to $35,000 to promote Victoria as the nation’s events capital through interstate marketing of the 2003 Carnival.
"This funding, through the Bracks Government's Tourism Events Program, will assist with marketing the Carnival to potential interstate visitors," Mr Pandazopoulos said.
"The Spring Racing Carnival is one of our highest profile events and presents a great opportunity to promote Victoria as a tourism destination.
“As well as attracting tourists to Melbourne, racegoers will also experience some of the State's regional attractions, with fantastic meetings held across Victoria.”
Racing Victoria Limited’s Chairman Graham Duff said this year’s Carnival promised to be even bigger than previous years, with a top quality field of local and international horses across all the major race days.
Racegoers will be treated to some spectacular racing,” Mr Duff said. "This year we are hoping to highlight more than ever before the achievements of racing's participants - the horses, the trainers and jockeys.”
Mr Duff said RVL was thrilled to have found an ambassador such as Kate Waterhouse.
“Kate’s in-depth knowledge of the racing industry and hands-on experience in handling, grooming and being a part of the stable operations from a young age make her an ideal choice as one of the 2003 Spring Racing Carnival Ambassadors,” Mr Duff said.
“Kate belongs to one of our most famous racing dynasties, and she is the next generation of that outstanding tradition. She has spent the past six years attending the Spring Racing Carnival, making Victoria her home and now as our ambassador she’ll be able to put that experience to practice.
“Kate will be far more than just our ‘public face’ at racing events. She will also be able to shed some light on what goes into preparing a runner for a big race.”
Kate, a 19-year-old university student and aspiring actress, said she was delighted to be chosen as one of this year’s Ambassadors for the SRC.
“Horse racing is in my blood,” she said. “Because of my mother and father's involvement, and of course both grandparents (T.J. Smith - legendary trainer and Bill Waterhouse - bookmaker), it has always been a huge part of my life.
“I have been to every Spring Racing Carnival for the past six years, but I’ve usually spent most of my time helping Mum in the stables or leading horses, so this year I’ll be experiencing the event from a totally different perspective. I hope my enthusiasm for horse racing will encourage others to take an interest in the sport.”
RVL Media Release
