TOM BOSWELL

STROLLING through the Magic Millions Bundall sales complex, leading Sydney trainer Gai Waterhouse barely takes three steps without being drawn in to conversation.

“It’s all the way from Tonga, you have to go,” Waterhouse quips as she refers to a piece of her outfit.

To another passerby she discusses recent dinner plans.

Indeed, the annual Magic Millions yearling sales attracts royalty, celebrities and the biggest figures in horse racing but few match Waterhouse’s profile or popularity.

Waterhouse is one of the busiest people in racing but between looking for the yearling that could help her add to her record four wins in the $2 million Magic Millions 2YO Classic the respected trainer takes the time to greet everyone she comes across.

Having cast her eye over the 1062 lots up for sale at the Magic Millions sales, Waterhouse is confident she can find another winner to join Assertive Lad (2000), Excellerator (2001), Dance Hero (2004) and Driefontein (2012).

“I think we can find a champion here again,” Waterhouse said.

“There are some outstanding individuals here and it’s going to be a very strong sales.”

As the leading trainer of 2YO Classic winners, Waterhouse knows exactly what she wants in a yearling.

“They’re precocious horses, they are horses that get up early. It’s a remarkable sale for horses who are on the money early and love being handled early.”

As for why she targets the January sales each year, Waterhouse need only gaze up to the top of each barn where the name of a past champion that has come from the sales is branded.

“It’s proven itself over the years,” Waterhouse said.

“You only have to walk past the barns and see how each barn is named after a champion, not just a good horse, a champion.”

Waterhouse said her affection for the $10 million Magic Millions race day came from its unique setting and ability to attract all types to the racecourse.

“It’s a sexy sort of event. People love it, they really do,” Waterhouse said.

“It is a track that people can come here with their family, go for a swim in the morning or a walk on the beach.

“There are lots of things for people to do here.

“It makes it very attractive for people and champion horses come out of it.”

Waterhouse has been one of the biggest spenders at the sales in recent years, investing $3.34 million in 2017 and $5.9 million the year before that as owners provide her the financial backing to find a champion for them.

She has no plans on decreasing her presence at the sales this year.

“It’s going to be Waterhouse said. similar,”