Gunsynd - The Goondiwindi Grey
By Sunset Hue from Woodie Wonder
Gunsynd is remembered as one of Australia’s most popular racehorses. The grey stallion was named by his syndicate of owners ‘Winks’ McMicking, George Pippos, Bill Bishop and Jim Coorey, who all lived in the Queensland border town of Goondiwindi.
Gunsynd was by Sunset Hue, a stallion that stood at The Dip Stud in New South Wales. His dam was Woodie Wonder, a mare owned by Joe McNamara. The strapping colt was offered at the Queensland yearling sales in 1969. He gave notice of what was to come when he ran a race record in the Hopeful Stakes at Eagle Farm in October of that year.
Gunsynd was one of the finest ‘milers’ in Australasia. He started seven times over the mile (1600 metres) and was defeated only once. His victories over that distance included the AJC Epsom Handicap, the VATC Toorak Handicap, the VRC George Adams Handicap and the AJC Doncaster Handicap carrying the huge weight of 9 stone 7 lbs (60.5 kgs.) Gunsynd raced 54 times in the best company, winning 29 races from 5 furlongs (1000m) to 2500 metres. He was placed 15 times, including courageous thirds in the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups. In October 1972, Gunsynd won the Cox Plate in Melbourne and passed Tulloch’s record to become Australia’s highest stake-earner.
His dappled grey colour and his never-say-die attitude to racing made Gunsynd a favourite with all horse lovers. Spectators flocked to see him race and the horse would refuse to proceed to the start until his adoring fans had cheered him on his way. His courage was celebrated in poetry and song.
When Gunsynd retired from racing in 1973, he was farewelled at special events throughout eastern Australia.
The townspeople of Goondiwindi commissioned a statue of the horse and his final public appearance at the town’s racecourse attracted national media attention.