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Gai Waterhouse has won most of Australia’s best races but added her first feature over the jumps on day one of the Warrnambool carnival on Tuesday.

The Waterhouse-trained Valediction made a one-act affair of the 2016 Brierly Steeplechase (3450m) for a popular win at a wet and windy Warrnambool.

Showing the renowned Waterhouse toughness, Valediction turned the 2016 Brierly Steeplechase into a staying test with jockey Brad McLean taking off on the eight-year-old gelding well before the final bend.

The move had the chasers well of the bit and Valediction showed no signs of slowing down in the run home, jumping cleanly before being eased down in the final stages for a dominant win.

Valediction ($3.80) held a four-length margin on the line over King Triton ($15) with Danzadoozie ($8.50) another five lengths away third.

Waterhouse has been competing at the Warrnambool carnival for the last few years but Valediction gave the trainer her first major success at the famous carnival.

“It will be hard to wipe this smile off my face,” Waterhouse tweeted out shortly after Valediction’s win.

Waterhouse intends to back Valediction up in one of the Warrnambool carnival’s highlight events, the Grand Annual Steeplechase over 5500 metres on Thursday.