Waller lands the quinella to top off accolade

CHRIS Waller celebrated his induction into the Australian Racing Hall of Fame with the quinella in the Group 1 Doomben Cup on Saturday.

Waller brought up his 82nd Group 1 win and his 11th this season when Comin’ Through ($9) scored by a short neck to stablemate Egg Tart ($15).

Ambitious ($9.50) finished 1¼ lengths away in third.

Waller made the trip to Brisbane after attending the Hall of Fame function in Sydney on Friday night and said it was the perfect way to celebrate the honour.

“I suppose I am living the dream. But a lot of hard work from a lot of people goes into the success of the stable and winning Group One races is a reward for everyone,” Waller said.

He said the stable had earmarked Comin’ Through as a future Group 1 winner but a gelding operation had been the making of the horse.

“Credit to his owner Sir Owen Glenn because he didn’t hesitate when I suggested gelding the horse. It was a big decision because he is very well bred,” Waller said.

Jockey Michael Walker, who brought up his third Group 1 winner of the season, said he was never confident at any stage as the horse never travelled.

“I am just pleased he got there in the end for Chris because he’s very easy to ride for and gave me no instructions which gives the jockeys a lot of confidence,” Walker said.

Comin’ Through will go for a spell with the spring in mind but Egg Tart will probably continue on in Brisbane.

“Today was the first time she got out to a distance near the one she won the Queensland Oaks,” he said.

“I might give her a chance in the Brisbane Cup,” Waller said.