Gai Waterhouse wrapped up a winning treble on Golden Slipper day when Western Symbol took out the Group 3 Cellarbrations HKJC Stakes (2000m) at Rosehill today.

Western Symbol’s win in the last gave trainer Gai Waterhouse three winners on Golden Slipper Day – photo (c) Steve Hart

Waterhouse was the star of the day having won the Group 1 $3.5m AAMI Golden Slipper (1200m) with Pierro and also taking out the Group 1 $400,000 Inglis Queen Of The Turf Stakes (1500m) with More Joyous.

Western Symbol made a successful step up to Group three level after winning a Benchmark 80 over 1500m at Hawkesbury on March 22 and found the line strong for Tommy Berry.

Waterhouse said that husband Rob had picked up Western Symbol in New Zealand for stable clients and today’s win could see the five year old head to Brisbane for the winter.

Berry was impressed with the winning effort of the High Chaparral gelding and would expect him to win more races.

“Gai was adamant I needed to get cover today because the wind had picked up,” Berry said.

“It worked. I got out and the horse did the rest.”

“We found out he was a good stayer when he ran third to Tanby in the Bendigo Cup.  He’s one to keep an eye on.”

Berry bought Western Symbol ($5) through the middle of the pack to score by a long neck from Southern Skye ($12) with $16 chance Snow Alert half a length away in third spot.