Less than a week after announcing an amicable split, Gai Waterhouse and Star Thoroughbreds have celebrated Driefontein’s win in the Magic Millions Fillies and Mares Classic at the Gold Coast.

Denise Martin, owner of syndication company Star Thoroughbreds, confirmed last Sunday that she would be forming a new partnership with Chris Waller.

However, Driefontein and the current racing stock will remain under Waterhouse’s care.

Waterhouse was diplomatic about the split with Star Thoroughbreds and focused on new opportunities with Round Table Thoroughbreds, a recently-formed syndication business headed by her former racing manager Bruce Slade.

“I’m a great believer in always looking forward and moving on and you’ll see the purple and white colours of Star Thoroughbreds winning many more races,” Waterhouse said.

Although Driefontein was burdened with topweight of 61kg, in her typical style Waterhouse was supremely confident the mare would win.

“People go on about the 61 kilograms saying it’s too much weight to carry but, honestly, it’s an absolute load of rubbish,” she said.

“She was against her own sex and was the best mare in the race by so far it wasn’t funny.”

Driefontein’s win was achieved in less controversial circumstances than the Magic Millions Classic victory she gained on protest from stablemate No Looking Back two years ago.

Driefontein ($5) had a neck to spare from Miss Leibert ($19) at the finish with Waterhouse praising the winner’s courage.

“When the going got tough she got going and she just tenaciously stuck her head out at the finish,” she said.

Winning jockey Tommy Berry, who also claimed the Magic Millions Classic aboard the mare, said Driefontein was a special horse.

“She’s been performing at the top level since her two-year-old days and winning today was a great thrill,” he said.

The Group One Coolmore Classic (1500m) at Rosehill will be the primary autumn carnival goal for Driefontein.