Chris Waller had a special supporter at Eagle Farm on Saturday - the man who helped shape the career of Sydney's premier trainer.

Waller revealed New Zealand horseman Paddy Busuttin had insisted on being at Eagle Farm for the Stradbroke Handicap meeting because he wanted to be there for what he expected would be a milestone day for Waller.

And it was.

"He (Busuttin) came especially for today," Waller said after bringing up a Group race treble at Eagle Farm.

"He said `I want to be there and watch you win your first Derby'.

"So that means a lot."

Hawkspur didn't let Waller - or Busuttin - down in winning the Derby by alnmost three lengths.

Waller started out as a strapper for Busuttin in New Zealand before becoming a travelling foreman and then a trainer in his own right.

He has said it was through the opportunities he got with Busuttin that has helped him rise to the position he is in today as a force in Australian racing.

Waller is set to break the record for most wins in a Sydney season and Hawkspur's Derby win on Saturday was the trainer's eighth Group One in 2012-2013.