Waller continues to set the benchmark in Sydney
THE record didn’t quite have the significance of Darren Weir’s recent feat, but Chris Waller continues to set the standard in New South Wales and on Saturday he set a new win record for the season.
Pioneering delivered the historic win late on the Rosehill card, giving Waller 168 wins on the season after Harlem Lady had won earlier in the day.
Waller’s season included 15 group one winners and he surpassed the $30 million stakes earnings barrier. Whilst 2015 Cox Plate champion Winx is his star prize, Waller credits every horse and everyone in his successful team.
“We’re very proud of it. Our staff are just doing a fantastic job 52 weeks of the year,” Waller said.
“It’s the last Saturday of the season today but they’ll be there tirelessly tomorrow and they’ll be there Monday for the start of the new season.
“So I’m proud for them and obviously proud of the support we get. It’s a big thing. We’re all here every Saturday doing our best as all the other trainers and the competition is so great in Sydney.”
As for Pioneering, its win was credit to Waller’s training as it backed up after carrying a big weight to victory at Canterbury last week.
“With any horse you say what are the negatives and what are the positives, but she was dropping in weight through the set weights and penalties so that was a plus,” Waller said.
“But winning horses are healthy horses and all you have to do is put a saddle on them just to go for a stroll around the park and not over-train them, just like you would with a footy team, and they’ll run you the same race, providing you have there is the right race on.”
Sportsbet has opened a market so punters can bet on which trainer will win the 2016/2017 NSW Metro trainers premiership. Punters won’t be able to bet on Waller, however, as it has become a foregone conclusion that he will train the most winners.
John O’Shea subsequently heads the market with Peter and Paul Snowden hot on his tail.
NSW trainers premiership (without Waller):
John O’Shea – $1.70 at Sportsbet
Peter and Paul Snowden – $2.20
Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott – $11
Any other trainer – $26