Outrage: Racing Legend Gai Waterhouse Criticises Decision to Cancel Tancred Stakes Day at Rosehill Due to Rain

Renowned Sydney trainer Gai Waterhouse has expressed her discontent regarding the cancellation of the Tancred Stakes day at Rosehill, which was originally scheduled for Saturday, due to unexpected rain overnight.

The stewards of Racing NSW made the announcement that the meeting, which was to include two prestigious Group One races, would be called off owing to the state of the track, with forecasts predicting an additional 50mm of rain throughout the day.

The authorities have yet to confirm when the event will be rescheduled, which was set to showcase the $1.5 million weight-for-age Tancred Stakes (2400m) and the $750,000 Vinery Stud Stakes.

“Considering the amount of rain we have experienced and what is anticipated, there’s no certainty we could have run the program,” noted Nevesh Ramdhani, head of racing and wagering at the Australian Turf Club.

“We are currently reaching out to trainers for their input, and we’ll have a contingency plan in place shortly.

“The rain is expected to ease overnight, but whether conditions will be favourable tomorrow remains uncertain… it’s likely to still be a genuine heavy track.”

Waterhouse was fiercely critical of the decision, taking to X to voice her belief that had a similar volume of rainfall occurred anywhere else in the world, the races would still be underway.

“What’s gone wrong?” she posted on X.

“I think anyone watching from overseas would be commenting on the sheer absurdity of this situation. If this were NZ, Europe, UK, Ireland, or the US, they would all be racing at Rosehill today, yet we have opted to abandon.”

“I shudder to think about the financial implications of this!”

The track was rated a soft 7 just before 7am, and an additional inspection was scheduled for 9am, but persistent rain prompted an earlier decision.

The day’s programme was also due to include the Group 2 Tulloch, Emancipation, and Neville Sellwood Stakes, alongside the Group 3 Baillieu, Star Kingdom, and Doncaster Prelude.