Author(s): John Ellicott

Biography & Memoir

This major biography chronicles the adventures and misadventures on and off the track of the Smith and Waterhouse families - their extraordinary successes and influence on the sport, but also their spectacular falls from grace; their extensive networks and relationships (both professional and personal); and their place and legacy in Australia's cultural/sporting annals. The book broadly covers: the patriarch, TJ Smith, his career and influence; his daughter Gai's 15-year apprenticeship, and the transference of power; the rival, Bill Waterhouse, his career and influence; the Fine Cotton/BoldPersonality affairs; the untouchable Gai, her early career; her battles with officialdom; her successes and failures; her intriguing relationship with Robbie; the emergence of her glamorous daughter, Kate; Tom and Robbie Waterhouse: their potential, legacy, past and recent misdemeanours; the future. Lively, entertaining, rich in anecdote this is a major, in-depth study of these two extraordinary dynasties.