Waller’s Imports Continue To Dominate

The impressive run Chris Waller is having with European imports has continued with two more victories for arguably Australia’s most in-form trainer.

Waller’s tactics of purchasing tried horses from across Europe and the United Kingdom has been well documented this year with the plan elevating him to Sydney’s best throughout the Autumn.

His most recent success stories are Wazn which won on his Australian debut in the Longfield Street Handicap over 1600m and Old Bill which claimed his Australian maiden in the Ascot Drive Handicap over 2100m, his third run on Aussie soil.

Tim Clark was the man aboard Wazn and he too is sharing in the success of Waller’s importations with the four-year-olds win strengthening his relationship with the stable.

“The horse was always travelling well and the race was never in doubt,” Clark said.

“I had to produce him earlier than I would have liked but it was a solid effort.”

Waller has now imported 26 horses from the UK in the last few years and when Old Bill crossed the line first it was victory number 25 for the foreign invaders.

With Waller’s tactics now well known, it’s not surprising to see that the owners of Old Bill include a list of names at the top end of Australian racing.

Media heavyweights Ken and Richie Callande and Australian Turf Club directors Michael Crismale, Laurie Macri, Wilf Mula and Max Whitby are all along for the ride.

Waller imports from Europe because he says their breeding lines for stayers are superior and that showed with Old Bill running out the 2100m easily the strongest of the field.

“The best part of the English horses is the best is yet to come,” Waller said.

“He’s got a bright future, not this preparation, next preparation so watch out for him.”

His imports claimed two Group 1 victories in the Sydney Autumn Carnival, My Kingdom Of Fife and Stand To Gain both triumphing in races across heavy tracks.

About The Author