Gunsynd

Grey horse (1967 - 1983), Sunset Hue - Woodie Wonder - Inducted in 2005

Gunsynd was one of the most courageous and charismatic horses to race in Australia. He loved the crowds and the crowds loved him.

Biography

TRAINER: Bill Wehlow, Tommy Smith

OWNERS: A.C. Bishop, J.V. Coorey, A.G. Pippos, G.N. McMicking

RACE RECORD/STAKE MONEY: 54 starts: 29 wins, 7 seconds, 8 thirds/$280,455

Major Wins 

  • Epsom Handicap
  • Doncaster Handicap
  • W.S. Cox Plate
  • Futurity Stakes
  • Toorak Handicap
  • Caulfield Stakes
  • AJC Autumn Stakes

About

After a moderately successful career as a two and three-year-old, Gunsynd was transferred to Tommy Smith under whose care he realised his full potential. Under Smith he had 32 starts for 17 victories and only one unplaced run. In the spring of 1971 he won the Epsom, Toorak and George Adams Handicaps and the Sandown Cup, and in the autumn of 1972 he recorded five straight wins including the Futurity Stakes and the Doncaster Handicap. The following spring Gunsynd captured the W.S. Cox Plate, and ran a magnificent third in the Melbourne Cup under 60.5kg.

On his retirement in 1973 his stake winnings of $280,455 were the highest by an Australian thoroughbred.

Gunsynd was inducted into the Australian Racing Hall of Fame in 2005.

Image Source: Copyright: Bradley Photographers