The New South Wales Racing Industry is deeply shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of one of its top trainers, Mr Guy Walter.
Guy, 59, had a tremendously successful career and took out many Group One races along the eastern seaboard of Australia.
His most recent success was only last Saturday when one of his favourite mares Streama captured the Group One Doomben Cup.
“Like everyone in the racing industry, we are shaken by the tragic news of Guy’s passing,” said Racing NSW Chief Executive, Mr Peter V’landys.
“Guy was one of the most popular and humble trainers I have ever met. I guarantee you would not find one person with a bad word for Guy; he was a very genuine, kind and respectful person.
“Guy was a man of the highest integrity and professionalism, and a wonderful role model for the racing industry.
“As the mark of the man, when Guy mentored apprentices he would call Racing NSW and insist we do not credit him for the usual 25% of the apprentice’s earnings. He wanted the fee to go back to the apprentice.
“Guy achieved some amazing success during his career and he will be sadly missed.”
Guy Walter grew up in Mudgee, NSW, and started his journey riding in local pony clubs and shows. He always had a fascination with horses and was keen to become a trainer.
In the early 1970s Guy worked for Bart Cummings and Neville Begg and was the strapper of Think Big when the stayer won the 1974 Melbourne Cup.
Guy first commenced training horses on the south coast of NSW before moving to Warwick Farm where he remained. He also had a satellite stable at Goulburn.
He burst to prominence in 1997 when a chestnut named Tie the Knot began a remarkable career, ending with 13 Group One victories having accrued $6.2 million in prizemoney. Guy referred to his champion galloper as a ‘life changing horse’.
Guy Walter-trained gallopers won 36 Group One races and more than 120 Stakes races totalling over $40m in prizemoney.
He prepared the trifecta in the 2005 Doncaster Handicap at Royal Randwick when Patezza, defeated Court’s in Session and Dannie Martine, being the first trainer to achieve the feat in 149 years.
Other top class gallopers that blossomed under the Guy Walter polish included Defier, Spinning Hill, Republic Lass, Wild Iris, Toydini, Excites and only recently, Appearance.
NSW Trainers Association Chief Executive, Mr Steve McMahon, said: “This is a shockingly sad day. Besides being a brilliant trainer, Guy was a once of the nicest men you’ll ever meet.
“He was polite, courteous and a real thinker that never complained. Our thoughts are with his wife Wendy, their family and the whole racing family at Warwick Farm and beyond.”
Racing NSW and the entire racing industry offers its condolences to Wendy and family.
