Cirrus@Austlit

'Gai Waterhouse is an Australian horse-racing trailblazer, widely regarded as the most successful female trainer in the world. Gai's diary of her life on and off the track since a catastrophic outbreak of equine influenza threatened racing in Australia three years ago is, in many ways, an autobiography of a high achiever named as a 'National Living Treasure' by the National Trust.

'Her stories from the stables and early mornings at the track and afternoons at the races provide inside information about her horses. Her reports about her jockeys, stable staff and owners, combined with tales of her family, friends, travels, and likes and dislikes, make compelling reading.

'Gai does not hold back - often praising, occasionally criticising - premier jockey Nash Rawiller, promising apprentice riders Daniel Ganderton and Blake Spriggs, and thoroughbred racing administrators. She talks of the horses who have provided Group 1 glory. She tells of the good times with family and friends at home and abroad.

'Her stages include: racetracks from Randwick to Flemington to Ascot (England) to Aqueduct (New York) to St Moritz (Switzerland); studs from the Hunter Valley (NSW) to Makybe (near Geelong, Victoria) to Ireland; horse sales from the Gold Coast to Melbourne to Karaka (Auckland, New Zealand); theatres and restaurants around the world; and holiday destinations from beach resorts in Italy and ski slopes at Aspen, Colorado.' (Publication summary)

'In one mad month, Australia discovered what the rest of the world already knew. The FIFA World Cup is the greatest sporting event on earth.

'Tony Wilson was in Germany for every minute of the Socceroos World Cup roller coaster - from those eight magical minutes against Japan in Kaiserslautern and the Samba showdown with Brazil in Munich, to the dramatic draw with Croatia in Stuttgart and the final catastrophe against Italy back in Kaiserslautern.

'In a journey through 13 German towns and cities, with a stop-off in Strasbourg for the Tour de France, Wilson met bikini-clad Brazilians, a crazy conga line of Ghanaians, and a fan who hasn't missed a Socceroos game since 1969.

'He learned how to say "We're going to Berlin" in seven languages, discovered German delicacies such as calves' feet, and sung the new Aussie classic "You've got no kangaroos". He was even part of a mission to hand deliver a bag of Cherry Ripes to Harry Kewell.

'Tony Wilson is a fan, observer and student of the game. Australia United is his story.' (Publication summary)