Champion trainer Gai Waterhouse is set to make history by becoming a Legend in the Australian Racing Hall of Fame, joining her late father, Tommy Smith, in receiving the industry’s highest honour. The ceremony will take place on November 23, 2023, at Optus Stadium in Perth.
Trainer Clarry Conners, with a career spanning 50 years, will be inducted into the Hall of Fame. Conners has a distinguished record that includes wins in four Golden Slippers and three VRC Oaks. Robert “Bob” Peters of Western Australia will also be recognized for his extensive contributions to racing, breeding, and administration.
Jockey Frank Treen Snr will be inducted into the Hall of Fame, acknowledging his extraordinary career. Additionally, champion horses Baguette, Emancipation, and Miss Andretti will be honored in the Thoroughbred category.
A new award category, the “Australian Spirit of Racing,” will be unveiled, and its first recipient will be WA’s Rod Kemp, known for his role as both a jockey and mentor.
Paul Eriksson, Racing Australia Chief Executive, summarized the importance of the event, stating, “Induction into the Australian Racing Hall of Fame acknowledges equine and human heroes of the turf who have achieved greatness throughout their careers.”
“We are thrilled to honour the greats both past and present on what will be a very momentous occasion. We look forward to sharing racing’s night of nights with you in Perth”.
The full list of 2023 Inductees are:
| Name | Category |
|---|---|
| BAGUETTE | Horse |
| EMANCIPATION | Horse |
| MISS ANDRETTI | Horse |
| CLARRY CONNERS | Trainer |
| FRANK TREEN SNR | Jockey |
| ROBERT (BOB) PETERS | Associate |
| GAI WATERHOUSE AO | Legend |
