3 minute read

The last race on the Sunday’s Goulburn Cup program will holds a special place in the hearts and minds of many local racing participants.

The Guy Walter Memorial, a BM 72 for fillies and mares, is named in honour of the late champion trainer who spent a lot of time overseeing his successful Goulburn stable that ran in tandem with his main Warwick Farm operation.

Walter grew up a country boy and his influence on people finding their way in the racing industry left a lasting legacy at Goulburn.

Walter’s former stable foreman in Goulburn John Bateman, now a successful local trainer in his own right, believes his association with the late trainer was something that’s hard to replicate.

“It was his personality and the fact he was just such a nice bloke. He was like a second father to me and just so very easy to learn from,” Bateman said.

Bateman thinks Walter’s philosophy in training and caring for racehorses set him apart.

“He often said use patience and to take care. He used to say if you don’t put the hard work in, you won’t get anything back.

“It was so good to be able to hang around with him at or track or stables in the mornings and share stories. He made me feel like it was more of a friendship, than a working relationship,” Bateman said.

Goulburn Race Club CEO Robyn Fife believes that it is fitting that Goulburn Cup day closes with a tribute to the respected horseman and mentor.

“The relatively short time Goulburn Race Club worked with Guy Walter was easily outweighed by the long-standing influence he had on the club and those who got to know him. This race is about recognition of that and his legacy,” Ms Fife said.

The club also believes that race, now in its fourth year and restricted to fillies and mares, is the right fit for such a tribute.

“Guy had a unique affinity with all the horses he trained but had a particular knack for getting the best out of fillies and mares with elite level performing horses like Streama, Bernicia and Appearance some of the best examples.”

Spendthrift Stud Australia has taken up race naming rights to the Guy Walter Memorial.

Spendthrift Stud will offer the winning connections a stallion service of their choice from any one of the stallions on their 2018 roster including Swear, Hampton Court, Jimmy Creed and Warrior’s Reward.

This year’s race has attracted a ful field of 16 acceptors with the well performed Godolphin galloper Savatiano and the Joe Pride-trained Pecans dominating early betting.

Assertin Mischief (Jason Coyle) and last start Highway Handicap winner O’Lordy, prepared at Goulburn by Danny Williams, are other leading chances.