Gunsynd - The Goondiwindi Grey

 

                              The complete career record 

                                                                                                            

                                                  of   

                                      Gunsynd

                                              

                                                                          “The Goondiwindi Grey”

                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

“We’ve cheered him from the grandstand

And we’ve cheered him from the flat

We’ve cheered a little beauty,

A real aris-to-crat

He’s never thrown the towel in

Been a trier all the way

A horse we’re really proud of

 The Goondiwindi Grey” 

                                                                                                    Nev Hauritz

                                Gunsynd

Grey Horse: Sunset Hue – Woody Wonder
Foaled October 4th  1967, The Dip Stud, Breeza, NSW
Purchased $1,300, 1969 Brisbane Yearling Sales

Owners: A C Bishop, A G Pippos, G N McMicking & J V Coorey
Trainer: H R “Bill” Wehlow: October 1969 – Sept 1971
               T J “Tommy” Smith Sept 1971 – May 1973

Racing Colours

H R Wehlow

White, purple spots, purple cap

October 1969 - September 1971

Racing Colours

T J Smith

Purple and white halves, purple cap

September 1971 - May 1973

We’ve seen some amazing horses compete at racecourses throughout the country, throughout the decades and throughout the years, good horses, great horses and champion horses, we’ve seen them all.

It’s true, we can be very hard-markers when it comes to elevating a great horse to a champion horse, mainly because the benchmark to champion status has been set so high by those who indisputably wear the mantle. 

Horses like Carbine, Gloaming, Phar Lap, Peter Pan, Bernborough and Tulloch, they all had a few things in common – Courage, Durability, Longevity, Reliability and the most important factor, a will to win when all others would see the task as impossible. In short, Champions never stop trying.

So, working with that criteria, I think I can confidently say that this is the story of a Champion – a Champion named, Gunsynd.

The Gunsynd story begins when four mates from the country Queensland town of Goondiwindi decided to try their luck as racehorse owners. The mates, “Winks” McMicking, a farmer, Jim Coorey, a clothing retailer, Bill Bishop a newsagent and George Pippos a hotelier agreed to put up $1,000 each to fund their quest for a nice horse. “Winks” McMicking knew more about racing and breeding than his three mates, so, with a bank of $4000 it was up to him to find a yearling for their syndicate.

After combing through the 1969 Brisbane yearling sales catalogue, “Winks” settled on a grey colt by Sunset Hue out of Woodie Wonder. The syndicate’s plans were almost de-railed on sales day when “Winks” noticed a lump on one of the colt’s legs, though his fears were allayed when he was told that the colt had recently knocked his leg and the swelling would soon be gone. The lump turned out to be a blessing in disguise as it stifled bidding on the colt, enabling the Goondiwindi syndicate to secure their choice for a mere $1,300.

The new colt was named quite by chance and he was named almost immediately after he was knocked-down to the Goondiwindi locals. Bill Bishop told journalist, Jean Bruce, how it happened. “When the account was made out at the saleyard, it was marked down to the Goondiwindi Syndicate. I said, ‘There it is, that’s his name – We’ll call him Gunsynd, the first part of both words.’” (Local people call the town “Gundy”). 

When word spread through Goondiwindi that the four well known locals had bought a thoroughbred yearling, they were soon approached by another good mate, horse trainer, Bill Wehlow who asked if he could train the colt. The syndicate was happy to have their friend train for them and Gunsynd was soon on his way to Wehlow’s stables to be broken-in and educated.

                                                                                 1969/70 2YO season

Gunsynd thrived at Wehlow’s stables and when it came time for his first race start, Bill Wehlow entrusted young jockey John Edmonds with the mount.

The spring of 1969 saw Gunsynd announce his arrival to racing when he lined-up in the Second Division of the QTC Hopeful Stakes (5 furlongs) at Eagle Farm. He didn’t just win that day, he broke the  race record in the process.

Gunsynd returned to Eagle Farm four weeks later and punters sent the talented newcomer out as the 4/7 favourite for the First Division of the QTC Sapling Stakes (5 furlongs). Gunsynd didn’t disappoint, making it back-to-back wins, and easy wins at that, after which, he was sent for a spell.

Gunsynd was back at Eagle Farm in the autumn of 1970 where he kicked-off his second campaign in the First Division of the QTC Nursery Hcp (6 furlongs). Despite jumping from barrier 13 in a field of 15 with 9.2 (58kg) on his back, Gunsynd was again sent out an odds-on favourite, and again he delivered, bringing up a hat-trick of wins in easy fashion.

Three from three and Bill Wehlow decided it was time to take his outstanding grey colt south for the Sydney autumn carnival, with the STC Golden Slipper Stakes at Rosehill being firmly in his sights.

At his first run in Sydney, Gunsynd kept his unbeaten record intact making it four from four by easily winning the AJC Endeavour Festival Hcp (7 furlongs) at Warwick Farm.

Next stop was the STC Golden Slipper Stakes (6 furlongs).

After jumping from the outside barrier (15) and having no luck in running, Gunsynd tasted defeat for the first time, finishing unplaced (7th) behind Baguette and Royal Show.

Gunsynd’s rider John Edmonds said after the race that the Slipper distance of 6 furlongs was too short and the colt was now looking for further. This was borne-out at his next start, the AJC Fernhill Hcp (8 furlongs) at Randwick where he recorded a strong win, though unfortunately for Edmonds, he lost the ride on Gunsynd and was replaced by Hilton Cope in the Fernhill. Gunsynd was then taken home and spelled.

                                                                                 1970/71 3YO season

Just as he did in his two-year-old season, Gunsynd began his three-year-old season successfully. 

With Larry Olsen in the saddle he won the BATC Encourage Hcp (6 furlongs) at Doomben followed eleven days later with a win in the QTC Coochimudlo Trial Hcp (7 furlongs) at Eagle Farm.

Gunsynd then ventured south to Sydney again, where, with Hilton Cope aboard, he finished fourth to Royal Show and Red God in the STC Canterbury Guineas (9 furlongs & 80 yds).

Next up, Gunsynd is stepped-up to Weight-For-Age in the Tatt’s Chelmsford Stakes (WFA 9 furlongs) at Randwick, and with Jack Thompson taking the reins for the first time, Gunsynd proved too good for Roman Consul and Planet Kingdom.

After the Chelmsford, Gunsynd experienced a lean trot where he went winless at his next five outings, though to be fair, he was taking on the best three-year-olds and Weight-For-Age performers in the country

Those five outings saw him finish third in the STC Rosehill Guineas (10 furlongs) behind Royal Show and Baguette followed by another third in the AJC Derby (12 furlongs) behind Silver Sharpe and Planet Kingdom. Hilton Cope had the mount for both those Sydney starts. After the AJC Derby it was off to Melbourne and with Jack Thompson aboard he ran unplaced in the MVRC W. S. Cox Plate (WFA 10 furlongs) and the VRC Derby (12 furlongs) before closing-out his spring campaign back in Brisbane with a third to Silver Sharpe in the QTC Queensland Derby (12 furlongs) with Merv Wrigley riding.

It was time for a well-earned spell.

With Larry Olsen now engaged as his regular rider, Gunsynd opened his autumn campaign of 1971 with a win in the QTC Highweight Hcp (6 furlongs) at Eagle Farm. It was then back to Sydney where he won the STC Rawson Stakes (WFA 7 ½ furlongs) at Rosehill. Starting at 4/1 in the Rawson, Gunsynd defeated Rough ‘N’ Tumble by a half-neck with the odds-on favourite Planet Kingdom a further 1 ¾ lengths away third.

A fourth behind Baguette in the STC Railway Quality Handicap (now The George Ryder Stakes) (7 furlongs) at Rosehill was followed by a third to Gay Icarus and Baguette in the AJC Australasian Champion Stakes (10 furlongs) at Randwick. Gunsynd then returned home to Brisbane where he won the BATC Labour Day Cup (10 furlongs) at Doomben before winding-up his three-year-old season with a fourth placing in the QTC Moreton Handicap (11 furlongs) at Eagle Farm. 

It was discovered after the running of the Moreton Handicap that Gunsynd had bled and that meant an automatic three month ban from racing.

                                                                                 1971/72 4YO season

Gunsynd’s return to racing as a four-year-old saw him keep his unbeaten first-up record in-tact with a win in a BATC Flying Handicap (7 furlongs less 68 yards) at Doomben in early September.

That Flying Handicap would be the last time that Queenslanders ever saw Gunsynd race in his home state.

Unbeknownst to Bill Wehlow, Gunsynd’s owners had made arrangements for the grey to be transferred to Tommy Smith’s stables in Sydney where he would be trained for all his future engagements.

Wehlow was never told that he was losing Gunsynd and didn’t know if there was any truth to the newspaper rumours until the day that Gunsynd was taken from his stable.

When being trained by Bill Wehlow, Gunsynd raced in Wehlow’s stable colours of white with purple spots and a purple cap. After Gunsynd was transferred to Tommy Smith, his owners had two choices, use Smith's stable colours or design and use their own. The owners weren’t keen on racing Gunsynd in Smith’s dark blue and green stable colours, although he did sport Smith’s livery at his first start for the stable. Sticking with the purple and white colour combination that had served them so well in the past, the owners registered, purple and white halves and a purple cap as their new livery. 

Gunsynd’s first start for the Smith stable was in the STC Arcadia Handicap (6 furlongs) at Rosehill where he finished second behind the talented New Zealand colt, Crown Law. After this race, Larry Olsen’s association with Gunsynd came to an end as Tommy Smith’s own stable jockeys would now be engaged for all his future races.

After his second in the Arcadia Handicap, Gunsynd recorded his most important win thus far, the 1971 AJC Epsom Handicap over the big Randwick mile. Gunsynd started at 11/2 in a big field of 21 runners and with Smith’s stable rider Kevin Langby aboard, Gunsynd gave the opposition a galloping lesson, racing away for a three-length win.

The following week it was off to Caulfield for another big mile event, the VATC Toorak Handicap, and with Roy Higgins aboard for the first time, Gunsynd recorded another easy win.

A fourth in the VATC Caulfield Cup (12 furlongs) behind Gay Icarus with George Moore in the saddle was followed a week later with a fourth behind Tauto in the MVRC W. S. Cox Plate (WFA 10 furlongs) with Roy Higgins aboard.

Those two fourth placings were quickly followed by two wins, the VRC George Adams Handicap (8 furlongs) at Flemington and the VATC Sandown Cup (12 furlongs) at Sandown racecourse, with Roy Higgins doing the honours on both occasions.

That Concluded Gunsynd’s 1971 spring campaign. 

Gunsynd was now the talk of Australian racing and if Aussie punters thought they’d seen something special during the spring of ’71, then the autumn of ’72 was about to leave them absolutely gobsmacked.

With Kevin Langby in the saddle, Gunsynd opened his autumn account with a first-up win in the STC Frederick Clissold Hcp (6 furlongs) at Canterbury racecourse.  Then, it was off to Melbourne where Roy Higgins rode him to victory in the VATC Futurity Stakes (WFA 7 furlongs) at Caulfield.

The following Saturday and Gunsynd, the 1/8 favourite, made short work of his three rivals in the VRC Queens Plate (WFA 10 furlongs) at Flemington. Kevin Langby was riding in Melbourne that day and took the mount on Gunsynd, it was the only time that Langby ever rode Gunsynd in Melbourne.

A week later at Flemington and Higgins was back on board for the VRC Queen Elizabeth Stakes (WFA 12 furlong) where, as the 1/4 favourite, he scored a 6 length win.

A fortnight after the Queen Elizabeth Stakes and Gunsynd is back in Sydney for another big Randwick mile, this time, the AJC Doncaster Handicap. Carrying top-weight of 9.7 (60.5 kg) and with Roy Higgins making the trip north to ride him, Gunsynd is sent out the 10/9 favourite in the big field of 20 runners, and it was one of his greatest wins. Triton, with Kevin Langby aboard had raced clear soon after straightening for home and looked the winner at the furlong post, but in his familiar never-say-die style, Gunsynd wore Triton down to score a remarkable three-quarter length win on the line.

With seven consecutive wins now under his belt, Gunsynd lined-up three days later in the AJC Sydney Cup over 2 miles at Randwick. The quick back-up over two miles with his big weight 9.7 (60.5 kg) on a heavy track proved a bridge too far as he battled-on gamely to finish fifth behind Dark Suit.

Five days after the Sydney Cup and Gunsynd and Higgins are back at Randwick, where, as the 4/7 favourite, he went down narrowly to another great Queenslander, Tails, in the AJC Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (WFA 14 furlongs).

That brought to an end Gunsynd’s four-year-old season and he is spelled until the spring.

                                                                                 1972/73 5YO season

Gunsynd’s five-year-old season kicks-off in Sydney in the spring of ’72. For the rest of Gunsynd’s career, Kevin Langby will ride the grey throughout his Sydney campaigns.

Gunsynd’s first-up run as a five-year-old results in a dead-heat for second with Royal Show behind Nippon in the AJC Warwick Stakes (WFA 1400m) at Warwick Farm. This is followed by a third placing behind the longshot Turbino in the Tatts Chelmsford Stakes (WFA 1800m) at Randwick.

Gunsynd bounces back to winning form at his next start, taking the STC Hill Stakes (WFA 1750m) at Rosehill, defeating his old rival, Triton.

Triton turned the tables on Gunsynd a week later when they both lined up in the AJC Epsom Handicap (1600m) at Randwick. Gunsynd 10/1 and carrying 62kg just failed to catch Triton this time, going down by a half head at the finish.

Gunsynd was sold to a Syndicate headed by George Ryder and Tommy Smith a few days before he contested the AJC Epsom Handicap. The sale, for a reported $270,000 will see Gunsynd finish his racing career in April the following year and take up stud duties at Kia Ora Stud at Scone, NSW.

Gunsynd was back in the winner’s stall at his next start, the AJC Colin Stephen Stakes (WFA 2400m) at Randwick. Starting favourite at 1/16, Gunsynd gave nothing else a chance, racing away for a five length win.

The following week, Gunsynd is back in Melbourne and with Roy Higgins aboard, the 4/7 favourite scored an easy win in the VATC Caulfield Stakes (WFA 2000m) at Caulfield.

Gunsynd returned to Caulfield the following week for the VATC Caulfield Cup (2400m) where he had to carry 62kgs. Starting at 7/2 the gallant grey could only manage third place behind the boom three-year-old, Sobar who started favourite at 2/1.

The following Saturday it was back to Weight-For-Age in the VATC W. S. Cox Plate (WFA 2000m) at Moonee Valley where punters sent Gunsynd out as the 6/4 favourite. He didn’t let the punters down, scoring a popular win in the WFA Classic from All Shot and Magnifique.

A third behind Piping Lane in the VRC Melbourne Cup (3200m) at 4/1 under 60.5kg and a fourth as even money favourite in the VRC C.B. Fisher Plate (WFA 2500m) wrapped-up Gunsynd’s spring campaign. It was time for a rest.

Gunsynd’s five-year-old autumn campaign began in Melbourne with the VRC Blamey Stakes (WFA 1600m) at Flemington, it would be his last campaign before being retired to stud. With Roy Higgins electing to ride the 8/11 favourite, All Shot, Tommy Smith engaged Harry White to ride Gunsynd 2/1.

Gunsynd always sprinted well fresh, with six wins and a dead-heat second from seven first-up runs, so it was no surprise to see him score first-up in the Blamey.

A third behind Idolou in the VATC Futurity Stakes (WFA 1400m) at Caulfield was followed by a second in the VRC Queens Plate (WFA 2000m) at Flemington behind the bold front-runner, Scotch And Dry. 

After those two defeats as a short-priced favourite, Gunsynd 1/6 favourite bounced back at his next start, winning the VRC Queen Elizabeth Stakes (WFA 2500m) at Flemington in his final appearance in Melbourne.

Returning to Sydney and with Kevin Langby aboard, Gunsynd scored an easy win in the STC Rawson Stakes (WFA 1750m) at Rosehill.

A Fortnight later, a small field of five runners lined-up for the AJC Chipping Norton Stakes (WFA 2100m) at Warwick Farm. Des Lake took the mount in the Chipping Norton as Kevin Langby was sidelined after taking a tumble from Imagele when the pair fell during the running of the Golden Slipper the previous Saturday. Gunsynd was sent out the 1/3 favourite but was narrowly beaten by the talented New Zealand visitor, Apollo Eleven.

At his penultimate start in the AJC Autumn Stakes (WFA 2000m) at Randwick the following week, Gunsynd proved far too strong for his seven rivals, scoring a six length win.

On his return to the enclosure, AJC chairman, Sir Brian Crowley presented Gunsynd with a purple and white commemorative sash in recognition of his remarkable career.

In his speech, Sir Brian lauded Gunsynd for his tenacity and his ‘will to win’ and if anyone knows a good horse when he sees one, its Sir Brian Crowley, as he owned enough great gallopers himself over the years, including the outstanding mare, Flight as well as the full-brothers, Skyline and Sky High.

Punters packed into Randwick the following week to send-off their champion in the AJC Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (WFA 2400m). Starting as the 10/9 favourite the great grey couldn’t give his fans the result they were hoping for. Once again, it was the Kiwi stayer Apollo Eleven who shaded Gunsynd by a half-length at the finish.

Beaten, but by no means disgraced, punters gave their hero a champions’ farewell as he paraded after the race. Known for acknowledging the crowds before stepping out onto the racetrack, Gunsynd seemed to sense the occasion as he stood and bowed his head to the packed grandstand as Kevin Langby brought him back into the enclosure.

A month after his last race, Gunsynd finally made it to the town that had adopted him as their own for so long, Goondiwindi. An exhibition gallop had been organised for the champ at the local racetrack, and locals coloured the town, purple and white, with banners, flags and streamers and turned out in force to see their idol. Gunsynd, with colours up and with local rider, Frank Bryant aboard, cantered down the home straight to the applause and cheers of the crowd. It was a sight and a day that the Gundy locals would long remember.

A statue of their most famous sporting icon was organised by the Goondiwindi Apex Club and was unveiled in 1974. Over the years it has become a ‘must see’ for anyone visiting the town.

Gunsynd stood at Kia Ora Stud at Scone in NSW where he met with only moderate success.

He did sire a few Stakes winners including Bensynd and Domino, though it was through one of his unraced daughters, Ammo Girl, that he gained the most fame as she produced the champion grey filly/mare, Emancipation.

Gunsynd died from cancer at Kia Ora Stud on April 29 1983.

Gunsynd “The Goondiwindi Grey” was inducted into the Australian Racing Hall Of Fame in 2005.

                             Gunsynd's Complete Career Race-by-Race

                                               2YO

WON 11 Oct 1969 Eagle Farm

QTC Hopeful Stakes (2ND Div) 5f

Rider J. Edmonds 8.5

14 Ran – Barrier 4 – SP 4/1

2nd Minehan (7/1) 8.5

3rd Gentle Anthony (5/1) 8.5

3 len x nose. Time 59.5 (race record) (G)   P/M $1,580

Form: 1

WON 8 Nov 1969 Eagle Farm

QTC Sapling Stakes (1st Div) 5f

Rider J. Edmonds 8.8

13 Ran – Barrier 12 – SP 4/7F

2nd Gentle Anthony (5/1) 8.5

3rd Kusarawa (14/1) 8.2

1 ½ len x lng nk. Time 1:00.6 (G)   P/M $1,460

Form: 11

Trainer Bill Wehlow has Gunsynd saddled-up for the Sapling Stakes at Eagle Farm

WON 28 Feb 1970 Eagle Farm

QTC Nursery Hcp (1st Div) 6f

Rider J. Edmonds 9.2

15 Ran – Barrier 13 – SP 1/2F

2nd Orange Spec (100/1) 7.11

3rd Gerardo (10/1) 8.5

1 ½ len x nk. Time 1:14.8 (S)   P/M $1,460

Form: 11-1

WON 14 Mar 1970 Warwick Farm

AJC Endeavour Festival Hcp 7f

Rider J. Edmonds 8.12

17 Ran – Barrier 10 – SP 3/1

2nd Medici (7/4F) 8.3

3rd Imperium (16/1) 7.9

2 len x sht nk. Time 1:26.1 (G)   P/M $2,140

Form: 11-11

7th 21 Mar 1970 Rosehill

STC Golden Slipper Stakes 6f

Rider J. Edmonds 8.7

15 Ran – Barrier 15 – SP 15/1

1st Baguette (5/4F) 8.7

2nd Royal Show (14/1) 8.7  

3rd Dual Choice (5/2) 8.0

2 len x ½ len. Time 1:12.7 (D)

Form: 11-117

WON 4 April 1970 Randwick

AJC Fernhill Hcp 8f

Rider H. Cope 9.6

20 Ran – Barrier 10 – SP 3/1

2nd Tumberlua (9/4F) 8.11  

3rd Ishkoodah (20/1) 8.4

1 ¼ len x hd. Time 1:39.1 (G)   P/M $2,700

Form: 11-1171

                                          2YO season: 6 Starts 5 wins - 1 unplaced

                                                         Prizemoney $9,340

                                             3YO

      

WON 1 Aug 1970 Doomben

BATC Encourage Hcp 6f

Rider L. Olsen 9.0

8 Ran – Barrier 6 – SP 8/11F

2nd Amortout (7/1) 8.3  

3rd Bourbonnais (14/1) 7.9

1 len x ½ len. Time 1:11.1 (G)   P/M $1,230

Form: 11-1171-1

WON 12 Aug 1970 Eagle Farm

QTC Coochimudlo Trial Hcp 7f

Rider L. Olsen 9.0

6 Ran – Barrier 6 – SP 1/2F

2nd Prince Charmer (7/2) 8.9   

3rd Jolly Smoke (9/1) 7.12

Hd x 5 len. Time 1:24.8 (G)   P/M $1,600

Form: 11-1171-11

4th 5 Sept 1970 Canterbury 

STC Canterbury Guineas 9f 80yds

Rider H. Cope 8.5

10 Ran – Barrier 3 – SP 7/1

1st Royal Show (7/1) 8.5 

2nd Red God (25/1) 8.5  

3rd Baguette (4/9F) 8.5  

Sht ½ hd x 1 ½ len. Time 1:58.3 (D)   P/M $375

Form: 11-1171-114

WON 12 Sept 1970 Randwick

Tatts Chelmsford Stakes WFA 9f

Rider J. Thompson 7.9

10 Ran – Barrier 9 – SP 7/4F

2nd Roman Consul (7/2) 9.4  

3rd Planet Kingdom (7/1) 7.9

1 ½ len x ½ len. Time 1:49.9 (G)   P/M $3,350

Form: 11-1171-1141

3rd 19 Sept 1970 Rosehill

STC Rosehill Guineas 10f

Rider H. Cope 8.5

13 Ran – Barrier 5 – SP 9/2

1st Royal Show (8/1) 8.5  

2nd Baguette (9/10F) 8.5

½ nk x 2 len. Time 2:04.5 (G)   P/M $1,500

Form: 11-1171-11413

3rd 3 Oct 1970 Randwick

AJC Derby 12f

Rider H. Cope 8.10

16 Ran – Barrier 3 – SP 9/4F

1st Silver Sharpe (12/1) 8.10  

2nd Planet Kingdom (9/1) 8.10

¾ len x ½ len. Time 2:31.9 (G)   P/M $5,000

Form: 11-1171-114133

7th 24 Oct 1970 Moonee Valley

MVRC W S Cox Plate WFA 10f

Rider J. Thompson 7.11

16 Ran – Barrier 4 – SP 15/1

1st Abdul (33/1) 7.12

2nd Tails (15/1) 9.4  

3rd Rough ‘N’ Tumble (20/1) 7.11

3 len x nk. Time 2:05.5 (S)

Form: 11-1171-1141337

12th 31 Oct 1970 Flemington

VRC Victoria Derby 12f

Rider J. Thompson 8.10

18 Ran – Barrier 10 – SP 9/1

1st Silver Sharpe (5/1) 8.10

2nd Gay Icarus (5/1) 8.10  

3rd Royal Show (11/2) 8.10

3 len x hd. Time 2:30.5 (G)

Form: 11-1171-11413370

3rd 7 Nov 1970 Eagle Farm

QTC Queensland Derby 12f

Rider M. Wrigley 8.10

10 Ran – Barrier 10 – SP 8/1

1st Silver Sharpe (4/6F) 8.10  

2nd Sunset Gem (5/1) 8.10

1 ¼ len x 1 ½ len. Time 2:39 (H)   P/M $800

Form: 11-1171-114133703

WON 27 Feb 1971 Eagle Farm

QTC Highweight Hcp 6f

Rider L. Olsen 9.4

14 Ran – Barrier 11 – SP 5/2F

2nd Intrepid Clipper (9/1) 9.0  

3rd Tipperary Lass (7/1) 8.3

1 ½ len x ½ len. Time 1:13.3 (H)   P/M $2,090

Form: 11-1171-114133703-1

WON 13 Mar 1971 Rosehill

STC Rawson Stakes WFA 7 ½f

Rider L. Olsen 8.6

8 Ran – Barrier 4 – SP 4/1 

2nd Rough ‘N’ Tumble (13/4) 8.1  

3rd Planet Kingdom (4/5F) 8.6

½ nk x 1 ¾ len. Time 1:30.1 (G)   P/M $3,720

Form: 11-1171-114133703-11

Gunsynd (H. Cope) proves too strong for Rough ' N ' Tumble (K. Langby)
in the Rawson Stakes at Rosehill 

4th 27 Mar 1971 Rosehill

STC Railway Quality Hcp 7f

Rider L. Olsen 8.10

10 Ran – Barrier 4 – SP 6/1

1st Baguette (11/8F) 9.3

2nd Rough ‘N’ Tumble (7/2) 8.3  

3rd Glen Beau (40/1) 7.9

1 len x ¾ len. Time 1:24.2 (D)   P/M $350

Form: 11-1171-114133703-114

3rd 10 April 1971 Randwick

AJC Australasian Champion Stakes 10f

Rider L. Olsen 8.7

14 Ran – Barrier 6 – SP 7/2

1st Gay Icarus (11/8F) 8.7  

2nd Baguette (2/1) 8.7

2 len x 1 ½ len. Time 2:04 (G)   P/M $5,000

Form: 11-1171-114133703-1143

WON 3 May 1971 Doomben

BATC Labour Day Cup 10f

Rider L. Olsen 9.2

12 Ran – Barrier 9 – SP EvensF

2nd Earlmark (5/1) 8.9  

3rd Opal Lass (8/1) 7.9

Sht hd x 2 ¾ len. Time 2:03.4 (G)   P/M $2,900

Form: 11-1171-114133703-11431

4th 22 May 1971 Eagle Farm

QTC Moreton Hcp 11f

Rider L. Olsen 9.4

11 Ran – Barrier 10 – SP 11/4F

1st Makata (3/1) 8.2

2nd My Sahib (6/1) 7.10  

3rd Earlmark (12/1) 8.7

3 len x 2 len. Time 2:16.7 (G)   P/M $100

Form: 11-1171-114133703-114314

Gunsynd bled during the running of the Moreton Handicap which

resulted in a mandatory three month ban from racing. 

                                        3YO season: 15 Starts 6 wins - 0 seconds - 4 thirds

                                                             Prizemoney $28,015

                                             4YO

WON 11 Sept 1971 Doomben

BATC Flying Hcp 7f less 68 yds

Rider L. Olsen 9.5

9 Ran – Barrier 5 – SP EvensF

2nd Prince Medes (11/4) 9.2  

3rd Intrepid Clipper (7/2) 8.6

Sht hd x 1 ½ len. Time 1:20.4 (G)   P/M $1,650

Form: 11-1171-114133703-114314-1

This was Gunsynd’s last run for his Queensland trainer Bill Wehlow.

The following week he was transferred to the stables of Tommy Smith in Sydney.

2nd 25 Sept 1971 Rosehill

STC Arcadia Flying Hcp 6f

Rider L. Olsen 8.11

8 Ran – Barrier 8 – SP 7/2

1st Crown Law (10/9F) 9.1  

3rd Magnus (4/1) 7.7

1 ½ len x ¾ len. Time 1:12.6 (G)   P/M $840

Form: 11-1171-114133703-114314-12

WON 2 Oct 1971 Randwick

AJC Epsom Handicap 8f

Rider K. Langby 8.10

21 Ran – Barrier 11 – SP 11/2

2nd Genty’s Pride (25/1) 7.7  

3rd Welsh Prince (20/1) 7.10

3 len x sht nk. Time 1:35.8 (G)   P/M $26,000

Form: 11-1171-114133703-114314-121

WON 9 Oct 1971 Caulfield

VATC Toorak Handicap 8f

Rider R. Higgins 9.3

10 Ran – Barrier 4 – SP 5/2

2nd Sky Call (5/1) 8.2  

3rd Tauto (2/1F) 9.8

1 ½ len x 1 ¼ len. Time 1:36.5 (G)   P/M $8,400

Form: 11-1171-114133703-114314-1211

4th 16 Oct 1971 Caulfield

VATC Caulfield Cup 12f

Rider G. Moore 8.13

18 Ran – Barrier 6 – SP 7/1

1st Gay Icarus (7/2F) 9.2

2nd Igloo (11/2) 8.5  

3rd Big Philou (9/1) 8.13

2 len x 6 len. Time 2:28 (G)   P/M $3,000

Form: 11-1171-114133703-114314-12114

4th 23 Oct 1971 Moonee Valley

MVRC W S Cox Plate WFA 10f

Rider R. Higgins 9.0

13 Ran – Barrier 2 – SP 5/1

1st Tauto (12/1) 9.4 

2nd Igloo (11/4F) 9.0  

3rd Beau Sovereign (8/1) 7.11

½ len x 1 ¾ len. Time 2:03.9 (G)   P/M $1,200

Form: 11-1171-114133703-114314-121144

WON 6 Nov 1971 Flemington

VRC George Adams Handicap 8f

Rider R. Higgins 9.3

13 Ran – Barrier 6 – SP 5/2F

2nd Tauto (5/1) 9.7  

3rd Sky Call (11/2) 7.13

5 len x 1 len. Time 1:37.6 (S)   P/M $17,260

Form: 11-1171-114133703-114314-1211441

Gunsynd powers away from the opposition to record a 5 length win in the George Adams Hcp

WON 13 Nov 1971 Sandown

VATC Sandown Cup 12f

Rider R. Higgins 9.1

11 Ran – Barrier 1 – SP 7/4F

2nd Raad (7/1) 7.8  

3rd Better Talk (20/1) 7.11

2 len x ½ hd. Time 2:33.3 (S)   P/M $9,400

Form: 11-1171-114133703-114314-12114411

Roy Higgins and Gunsynd return to scale after winning the Sandown Cup

WON 5 Feb 1972 Canterbury

STC Frederick Clissold Hcp 6f

Rider K. Langby 9.7

11 Ran – Barrier 11 – SP 5/4F

2nd Lowland Luck (5/2) 8.0  

3rd Mr Sound (5/1) 7.7

2 ¼ len x 3 ½ len. Time 1:12 (D)   P/M $3,100

Form: 11-1171-114133703-114314-12114411-1

WON 4 Mar 1972 Caulfield

VATC Futurity Stakes WFA 7f

Rider R. Higgins 9.13

13 Ran – Barrier 11 – SP 7/4F

2nd Abdul (9/2) 9.10  

3rd Eastern Court (12/1) 9.10

2 ½ len x sht ½ hd. Time 1:25.5 (G)   P/M $14,500

Form: 11-1171-114133703-114314-12114411-11

Roy Higgins puts Gunsynd through his paces before the running of the Futurity Stakes at Caulfield

WON 11 Mar 1972 Flemington

VRC Queens Plate WFA 10f

Rider K. Langby 9.0

4 Ran – Barrier 4 – SP 1/8F

2nd Gossiper (10/1) 8.1  

3rd Surrender (12/1) 9.2

2 len x 5 len. Time 2:03.7 (F)   P/M $4,200

Form: 11-1171-114133703-114314-12114411-111

WON 18 Mar 1972 Flemington

VRC Queen Elizabeth Stakes WFA 12f

Rider R. Higgins 9.0

5 Ran – Barrier 5 – SP 1/4F

2nd Stop The Show (7/1) 7.13  

3rd Surrender (40/1) 9.3

6 len x 8 len. Time 2:31 (F)   P/M $8,800 

Form: 11-1171-114133703-114314-12114411-1111

WON 1 April 1972 Randwick

AJC Doncaster Handicap 8f

Rider R. Higgins 9.7

20 Ran – Barrier 7 – SP 10/9F

2nd Triton (9/2) 8.9  

3rd Big Butch (50/1) 7.6

¾ len x hd. Time 1:35.3 (G)   P/M $33,000

Form: 11-1171-114133703-114314-12114411-11111

5th 3 April 1972 Randwick

AJC Sydney Cup 2m

12 Ran – Barrier 1 – SP 5/1

Rider R. Higgins 9.7

1st Dark Suit (16/1) 7.8

2nd Marseilles (20/1) 7.6  

3rd Royal Shah (9/1) 8.4

3 len x 5 len. Time 3:30.3 (H)

Form: 11-1171-114133703-114314-12114411-111115

2nd 8 April 1972 Randwick

AJC Queen Elizabeth II Stakes 14f

Rider R. Higgins 9.0

5 Ran – Barrier 4 – SP 4/7F

1st Tails (13/4) 9.3  

3rd Royal Shah (20/1) 9.3

¾ len x 3 len. Time 3:03.8 (D)   P/M $1,600   

Form: 11-1171-114133703-114314-12114411-1111152

Fellow Queenslander Tails proves a shade too good in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Randwick

                      

    

                                    4YO season: 15 Starts 10 wins - 2 seconds - 0 thirds

                                                             Prizemoney $132,950

The start of the new racing year (August 1) saw the metric system introduced to Australian racing.

Race distances were now measured in metres and weights in kilograms.

                                             5YO

2nd (dead-heat) 26 Aug 1972 Warwick Farm

AJC Warwick Stakes WFA 1400m

Rider K. Langby 58.5

8 Ran – Barrier 3 – SP 4/7F

1st Nippon (11/2) 52.5

2nd (dead-heat) Royal Show (12/1) 58.5

2 ½ len x dead-heat. Time 1:23.5 (G)   P/M $750

Form: 11-1171-114133703-114314-12114411-1111152-2

3rd 9 Sept 1972 Randwick

Tatts Chelmsford Stakes WFA 1800m

Rider K. Langby 59

7 Ran – Barrier 4 – SP 2/5F

1st Turbino (50/1) 57  

2nd Ricochet (11/2) 59

½ hd x ½ nk. Time 1:52.1 (G)   P/M $700

Form: 11-1171-114133703-114314-12114411-1111152-23

WON 23 Sept 1972 Rosehill

STC Hill Stakes WFA 1750m

Rider K. Langby 59

8 Ran – Barrier 8 – SP 6/4F

2nd Triton (9/2) 59  

3rd Gold Brick (8/1) 45.5

¾ len x ¾ len. Time 1:45.8 (G)   P/M $4,960

Form: 11-1171-114133703-114314-12114411-1111152-231

Kevin Langby brings Gunsynd back to scale after the Hill Stakes

2nd 30 Sept 1972 Randwick

AJC Epsom Handicap 1600m

Rider K. Langby 62

16 Ran – Barrier 8 – SP 10/1

1st Triton (6/1) 59.5  

3rd Beaches (8/1) 53

½ hd x 3 len. Time 1:37.2 (H)   P/M $10,000

Form: 11-1171-114133703-114314-12114411-1111152-2312

Gunsynd goes down fighting to his old rival, Triton in the Epsom Handicap at Randwick

WON 7 Oct 1972 Randwick

AJC Colin Stephen Stakes WFA 2400m

Rider K. Langby 59.5

4 Ran – Barrier 4 – SP 1/16F

2nd Dalglow (15/1) 60  

3rd Teazle (50/1) 60

5 len x 2 len. Time 2:38.9 (G)   P/M $4,000

Form: 11-1171-114133703-114314-12114411-1111152-23121

WON 14 Oct 1972 Caulfield

VATC Caulfield Stakes WFA 2000m

Rider R. Higgins 59

8 Ran – Barrier 3 – SP 4/7F

2nd Gossiper (9/1) 54.5  

3rd Gay Icarus (3/1) 59

2 len x nk. Time 2:03.0 (F)   P/M $7,000

Form: 11-1171-114133703-114314-12114411-1111152-231211

3rd 21 Oct 1972 Caulfield

VATC Caulfield Cup 2400m

Rider R. Higgins 62

18 Ran – Barrier 14 – SP 7/2

1st Sobar (2/1F) 48  

2nd Stormy Seas (20/1) 54.5

2 len x ¾ len. Time 2:27.1 (F)   P/M $6,000

Form: 11-1171-114133703-114314-12114411-1111152-2312113

WON 28 Oct 1972 Moonee Valley

MVRC W S Cox Plate WFA 2000m

Rider R. Higgins 59

14 Ran – Barrier 13 – SP 6/4F

2nd All Shot (4/1) 57  

3rd Magnifique (33/1) 54.5

¾ len x 1 len. Time 2:01.9 (F)   P/M $32,100

Form: 11-1171-114133703-114314-12114411-1111152-23121131

Gunsynd's Cox Plate win makes him Australia's greatest stakes-winner with earnings of $235,815

3rd 7 Nov 1972 Flemington

VRC Melbourne Cup 3200m

Rider R. Higgins 60.5

22 Ran – Barrier 10 – SP 4/1

1st Piping Lane (40/1) 48  

2nd Magnifique (7/2F) 52.5

1 ¼ len x lng nk. Time 3:19.3 (G)   P/M $9,700 

Form: 11-1171-114133703-114314-12114411-1111152-231211313

4th 11 Nov 1972 Flemington

VRC C B Fisher Plate 2500m

Rider R. Higgins 59.5

8 Ran – Barrier 6 – SP EvensF

1st Scotch And Dry (33/1) 55.5

2nd Stormy Seas (6/1) 55.5  

3rd Gala Red (500/1) 44.5

2 ½ len x ½ hd. Time 2:36.3 (F)   P/M $800

Form: 11-1171-114133703-114314-12114411-1111152-2312113134

WON 17 Feb 1973 Flemington

VRC Blamey Stakes WFA 1600m

Rider H. White 57.5

8 Ran – Barrier 5 – SP 2/1

2nd Gossiper (50/1) 55.5  

3rd All Shot (8/11F) 57

¾ len x ½ len. Time 1:36.3 (F)   P/M $5,600

Form: 11-1171-114133703-114314-12114411-1111152-2312113134-1

3rd 3 Mar 1973 Caulfield

VATC Futurity Stakes 1400m

WFA with penalties & allowances

Rider R. Higgins 63.5

9 Ran – Barrier 7 – SP 13/8

1st Idolou (6/4F) 53.5  

2nd Tauto (7/1) 63.5

5 len x 2 ½ len. Time 1:24.2 (G)   P/M $2,400

Form: 11-1171-114133703-114314-12114411-1111152-2312113134-13

2nd 10 Mar 1973 Flemington

VRC Queens Plate WFA 2000m

Rider R. Higgins 58

6 Ran – Barrier 2 – SP 8/11F

1st Scotch And Dry (8/1) 58  

3rd All Shot (16/1) 57

1 ¼ len x 2 ½ len. Time 2:01.3 (F)   P/M $1,440

Form: 11-1171-114133703-114314-12114411-1111152-2312113134-132

WON 17 Mar 1973 Flemington

VRC Queen Elizabeth Stakes WFA 2500m

Rider R. Higgins 58.5

6 Ran – Barrier 3 – SP 1/6F

2nd Battleground (33/1) 58.5  

3rd Alti Khan (7/1) 57

¾ len x 1 len. Time 2:38.2 (G)   P/M $8,800

Form: 11-1171-114133703-114314-12114411-1111152-2312113134-1321

WON 31 Mar 1973 Rosehill

STC Rawson Stakes WFA 1750m

Rider K. Langby 58

8 Ran – Barrier 5 – SP 5/4F

2nd Gold Brick (9/4) 52.5  

3rd Sharif (16/1) 57

3 ¼ len x ¾ len. Time 1:48.3 (G)   P/M $6,200

Form: 11-1171-114133703-114314-12114411-1111152-2312113134-13211

2nd 14 April 1973 Warwick Farm

AJC Chipping Norton Stakes WFA 2100m

Rider D. Lake 58

5 Ran – Barrier 4 – SP 1/3F

1st Apollo Eleven (11/4) 58  

3rd Selene Girl (100/1) 52.5

Lng nk x 8 len. Time 2:16.9 (G)   P/M $1,200

Form: 11-1171-114133703-114314-12114411-1111152-2312113134-132112

WON 21 April 1973 Randwick

AJC Autumn Stakes WFA 2000m

Rider K. Langby 58

8 Ran – Barrier 2 – SP 2/5F

2nd Dalvere (40/1) 58  

3rd Desert Beau (7/1) 58

6 len x 1 len. Time 2:02.2 (G)   P/M $6,500

Form: 11-1171-114133703-114314-12114411-1111152-2312113134-1321121

2nd 28 April 1973 Randwick

AJC Queen Elizabeth II Stakes WFA 2400m

Rider K. Langby 58.5

7 Ran – Barrier 4 – SP 10/9F

1st Apollo Eleven (2/1) 58.5  

3rd Gold Brick (4/1) 52.5

½ len x 5 len. Time 2:28.9 (G)   P/M $2,000

Form: 11-1171-114133703-114314-12114411-1111152-2312113134-13211212

               5YO season: 18 Starts – 8 wins – 4 ½ seconds – 4 thirds 

                                                Prizemoney $110,150

               Career: 54 Starts – 29 wins – 6 ½ seconds – 8 thirds 

                                                Prizemoney $280,455 

                       Gallery 

Gunsynd and Roy Higgins about to take to the track at Flemington

Roy Higgins salutes the crowd as he brings Gunsynd back to scale after the 1972 W. S. Cox Plate

Some mutual admiration after winning the 1973 QE Stakes at Flemington

Leading the field out for the 1972 Melbourne Cup at Flemington

Gunsynd and Kevin Langby on the track at Rosehill for the 1972 Hill Stakes

Gunsynd proves too good for his archrival, Triton in the 1972 Hill Stakes at Rosehill

Gunsynd and Roy Higgins on the track at Caulfield for the 1972 Futurity Stakes

Gunsynd and Roy leaving the rest of them behind as they race away to win the 1971 Toorak Hcp

Gunsynd and Kevin Langby heading out onto the Flemington track for the 1972 Queen's Plate

Gunsynd in his three-year-old days when trained by Bill Wehlow - Larry Olsen aboard

Trainer, Bill Wehlow and his Champion, Gunsynd - 'The Goondiwindi Grey'

10/9 favourite, Gunsynd carrying 60kg draws clear of Triton to win the 1972 Doncaster Handicap

At the presentation for the 1972 Doncaster Hcp. L-R Robert Askin (Premier of NSW), Jim Coorey,
Tommy Smith, Roy Higgins, George Pippos, Bill Bishop and Germaine 'Winks' McMicking

Gunsynd and Kevin Langby after winning the 1973 Autumn Stakes at his penultimate race start

After winning his penultimate start in the Autumn Stakes, Sir Brian Crowley
presents Gunsynd with a commemorative sash to celebrate his remarkable career 

Gunsynd bows as he bids farewell to the packed grandstand at Randwick

The recently retired Gunsynd had one last stop to make before heading off to stud. An exhibition
gallop at Goondiwindi racetrack with local rider Frank Bryant in the saddle

Still the showman. Gunsynd at Kia Ora Stud, Scone, NSW

The famous commemorative statue of Gunsynd is a popular attraction in Goondiwindi

Photo Credits

Bruce Postle

Ron Bickley

Tony Simon

Ern McQuillan

David Dawson

Bob Millar jun

Grahame Fletcher