Gai Waterhouse’s 2am Starts, Spa Breaks and Sicilian Detours Fuel Her Quest for the First Cox Plate

Gai Waterhouse’s squad hit the Flemington track at 2 am, a time that feels more like a Doctor Who episode than a typical training session.

Her routine reads like a footy pre‑match warm‑up on steroids: a quick sprint, a dip in the day‑spa, a power‑nap that would make a koala jealous, then a jaunt to Sicily for a gelato‑fuelled strategy session. The itinerary would have most trainers reaching for the bench, but Gai treats the Cox Plate like a grand final she can’t afford to miss.

Every gallop is a kick, every spa session a tactical huddle. She lines up her horses with precision, then whispers “let’s go” before they bolt, chasing the elusive trophy with the same intensity as a team chasing a perfect mark.

The “unstoppable force” tag isn’t just hype; it’s a description of a trainer who treats the race calendar like a series of back‑to‑back finals, and the Cox Plate is the elusive premiership flag she’s still hunting.

Meanwhile, the occasional jaunt to Sicily provides a scenic sideline, a chance to refuel on sunshine and pistachio pastries while plotting the next move. It’s a bit like a coach taking the team to the Riviera for a morale boost before the big game.

Back in Melbourne, the racing community watches the 2 am starts with the same anticipation as a night‑time footy thriller, wondering if the early grind will finally translate into a winning post‑race podium.

If the Cox Plate remains out of reach, the saga will keep ticking on: more dawn drills, more spa treatments, more Sicilian espresso – each a chapter in a story that reads like a never‑ending season.

At the end of the day, whether she lifts the trophy or not, Gai Waterhouse proves that the journey to the finish line can be as entertaining as the race itself.