One of the legends of Australia’s Racing, Race Caller, John Tapp enjoyed a memorable occasion at the 50thAnniversary Dinner of Gunsynd’s last start. A sold-out event of 160 followers of the great Gunsynd enjoyed what must be one of the most memorable occasions for the border town.
“What an absolute pleasure it has been to be a part of this occasion. Who would have possibly thought we would be gathering here tonight to pay tribute to a horse that had his last start in a race 50 years ago today” John said in his opening. “Who was the greatest race horse of all time? No one will ever be able to answer that question but there can be no doubt, The Goondiwindi Grey will always be top of the list on the popularity stakes”.
He took Australian Racing by storm at the time and in doing so, he put Goondiwindi firmly on the map. And the people of Goondiwindi will never forget him and continue to keep it that way. There must have been millions of people visit the statue and Museum over the years and I guess he kicked started that Tourism sector of his career when the statue was erected by the Apex Club in 1975. The Apex club where successful in attracting 1,000 delegates to Goondiwindi for their first convention in 1978. It was proudly sold as “Meet at the Gate in 78” and the statue was the central point of all discussions.
The club had also acquired footage of Gunsynd’s visit to Goondiwindi in 1973 and the construction phase of the statue when the Apex Club constructed the statue. Basil Lloyd provided the original framed designer plans of the statue done by Tom Farrell. Some great memories of those that participated.
From the minute I was invited to this function, I could sense the infectious pride that the town has for this remarkable equine legend. And once you arrive here and meet the local people, see the town and businesses recognizing that great grey and might I add, the ex-locals that have come back to join in the celebrations, you certainly have the perfect recipe for the wonderful regional town that Goondiwindi has become famous for.
Other guests on the night where Alan Peach the long-time photographer at Doomben & Eagle Farm racecourses. Alan told the crowd of his days taking photos of such a remarkable animal.
A lot of others could not make it due to health or other reasons and video messages were played to the gathering from Gai Waterhouse, Mark Oberhardt and Kevin Langby.
They also had an ABC radio interview with Bill Bishop which gave a full explanation of how the horse was purchased and how the name Gunsynd was selected.
Tapp recalled how he was able to call all of Gunsynd’s races in Sydney due to a mishap with the late Ken Howard. For years, while Qld and NSW did not hear the calls of John Tapp. Victoria took the direct calls during the time Ken Howard was removed from the Victorian airways.
John recalled the difference Gunsynd made to Australian racing and when he won the Cox Plate, he became Australia greatest ever stakes earner. He also mentioned the number of different people that contributed to Gunsynd’s success. People like Peter Venables, the farrier who attended to the great grey but where never really mentioned in dispatches but played a significant role in Gunsynd’s success.
Another who attended the gathering and races was Kim Powel, the daughter of John Clift who stood Sunset Hue to breed Gunsynd and after racing, stood Gunsynd himself.
Race Club president Cutter Hayes presented John Tapp with a beautiful print of the Statue as a token of gratitude from the Goondiwindi Race Club and the people of Goondiwindi and in his reply, John remarked “I came to Goondiwindi for a weekend and took home Gunsynd Unreal”.
Long time Race caller, Greg Kachel was the Chair of proceedings on the night as well as calling the races on the Saturday. One interesting section on the night was the Trivia Quiz that provided a lot of information that many may had not have realized. The occasion gave Greg & John time to reminisce over many stories, particularly of the NSW Country Racing scene,
Racing Queensland and Goondiwindi Regional Council supported the weekend and witnessed a great race day the next day which ironically coincided with the passing of Gunsynd- 40 years ago to the day.
It was truly wonderful night and the night closed with everyone upstanding and singing the Gunsynd Song along with Tex Morton.
Gunsynd will never be forgotten.
Images: Wayne Pratt
