Gai Waterhouse continued to rewrite the record books and joined her illustrious father Tommy Smith with seven Epsom Handicap wins when Fat Al led all the way to take out the famous ‘Mile’ at Randwick today.

Fat Al led all the way to win the Epsom Handicap. Photo by: Steve Hart

Tommy Berry chalked up his second Group 1 win when he allowed Fat Al to dictate from the front and after being untroubled in the middle stages and fought hard at the finish to hold off the strong challenge from Ambidexter to score by head in the Group 1 $500,000 The Star Epsom (1600m).

Waterhouse was her usual excitable self on her way to the winner’s stall and was very precise with her post race comment.

“It was outstanding. Good on him. Good on Fat Al. Go Fat Al!!!,” Waterhouse exclaimed.

Fat Al was able to turn the tables on Ambidexter after going down to him in the Group 2 $200,000 Sebring Sprint (1400m) at Rosehill on September 15.

Berry had the Epsom under control a long way from home and with the knowledge that horses trained by Waterhouse are as tough as teak wasn’t frightened to test the rest of the field.

“That’s unreal. To go into the record books with Gai equalling her father is unbelievable,” Berry said.

Berry was also quick to recognise how Waterhouse has been the driving force behind his rise to the top of the Sydney riding ranks.

“Gai, she’s a marvel, she’s a champion. What she’s done for my career has been unbelievable. She’s knows how to get a horse to win an Epsom.”

Fat Al was sent out the $4.50 favourite and delivered with Ambidexter starting at $5.50 with Rolling Pin ($41) proving his last two wins were no fluke.