Inside Gai Waterhouse’s no-expense-spared surprise 68th birthday party

Champion racehorse trainer Gai Waterhouse celebrated her 68th birthday in a no-expense-spared surprise party.

The first lady of Australian Racing couldn’t wipe the smile off her face as her daughter Kate, 38, spoiled her with a lavish day to remember.

Gai initially thought her family was taking her out for coffee, but that all changed when she walked into her hotel suite at The Crown Sydney and saw statement balloons spelling out her name over a table set with luxury gifts and wine glasses.

In footage shared to TikTok, Kate pulled out all the stops for her beloved mother and invited her dear friends to share in the festivities.

The day began with Gai being pampered by her own hair and makeup artist who was on call to ensure she dazzled for the special occasion. 

While being tended to, Gai eagerly watched the horse racing and appeared to enjoy a win, as she took in the breathtaking views from high above the Emerald City.

Gai danced with joy as her friends and husband Robbie Waterhouse began to turn up, dressed to the nines in preparation for the night ahead. 

Gai initially thought her family was taking her out for coffee, but that all changed when she walked into her hotel suite at The Crown Sydney and saw statement balloons spelling out her name over a table set with luxury gifts and wine glasses 

After popping a bottle of Champagne and posing for pictures with Kate’s daughters Sophie, seven, and Grace, five, and guests, the party headed to Italian restaurant a’Mare.

There, acclaimed chef Alessandro Pavoni made sure Gai’s birthday dinner was one to remember. 

At one point, Sophie is even seen helping to make fresh, fragrant pesto.

After popping a bottle of Champagne and posing for pictures with Kate’s daughters Sophie, seven, and Grace, five, and guests, the party headed to Italian restaurant a’Mare 

In footage shared to TikTok, Kate (pictured) pulled out all the stops for her beloved mother and invited her dear friends to share in the festivities. Kate was dressed to impress in a slinky little black dress from designer Rachel Gilbert

When it came time to sing, Gai was presented with a layered cake adorned with the words, ‘Happy Birthday Gai!’ scrawled in elegant cursive across the top 

When it came time to sing, Gai was presented with a layered cake adorned with the words, ‘Happy Birthday Gai!’ scrawled in elegant cursive across the top. 

Despite the joyous occasion, Gai’s son Tom Waterhouse was nowhere to be seen. 

The bookmaker, 40, relocated to London with his wife Hoda and their three children in 2021 to develop a gambling brokerage for investors.

There, acclaimed chef Alessandro Pavoni made sure Gai’s birthday dinner was one to remember 

For dessert, Kate, who was dressed to impress in a slinky Rachel Gilbert little black dress, had the restaurant make and deliver a huge layered cake with, ‘Happy Birthday Gai!’ scrawled in elegant cursive across the top

However, The Daily Telegraph reported in July he was on his way back to Sydney to complete a $20million dream home in Balmoral on the city’s exclusive North Shore.

Tom originally bought the luxurious waterfront property with his wife in 2014 for $13million.

It was $2million above the asking price. 

Despite the joyous occasion, Gai’s son Tom Waterhouse was nowhere to be seen. Pictured with his wife Hoda