Waller to train $3 million filly for US billionaire

Robusto (Tommy Berry, outside, all pink) trained by Chris Waller wins at Randwick on December 23, 2023 – photo by Martin King/Sportpix copyright

American tycoon John Stewart has confirmed Chris Waller as the trainer of Resolute Racing’s $3 million I Am Invincible filly out of Group 1 winner Booker.

Stewart attracted headlines earlier this year when he made a bold play to buy the first foal out of Winx, and while he missed out on securing her, he managed to purchase another six yearlings from the Inglis Easter Yearling Sale under his Resolute Racing banner.

Stewart then initiated a social media campaign on X, asking the Australian racing community to recommend trainers for his yearlings.

On Wednesday, he used the platform to confirm Waller as the conditioner chosen for his most expensive buy, the $3 million daughter of Booker, along with a $900,000 Wootton Bassett colt out of 2017 Golden Slipper placegetter Tulip.

“The first trainer selection for @rresoluteracing soon to be 2YOs in Australia is @cwallerracing,” Stewart said on X.

“Chris will be getting the Booker filly and the Tulip colt.”

Stewart and Waller already have a relationship after the former bought multiple Group 1-placed filly Tutta La Vita for $3.2 million at the Chairman’s Sale in May.

Waller was retained as her trainer for what proved to be her only Australian start for Resolute Racing where she finished midfield in The Roses at Doomben before being sent to the United States to continue her career.

Stewart is set to confirm trainers for his remaining four yearling purchases this week.