The ‘Goondiwindi Grey’ was purchased for $1300 by four battlers from outback QLD and became an epic legend

Gunsynd was one of those horses that transcended racing. He was part of Australian folklore and drew together so many aspects that attracted the public.  A flashy grey with a catchy name reflecting a wonderful part of the country - the iconic battler facing the big city blue bloods, making his way to Australia's top trainer and stable. The humble Queenslander, an underdog taking on the nation's best was a sight to behold. To top it all off, Gunsynd was the ultimate performer.  He had a heart bigger than himself, and a personality to match. A generation of Australian racegoers were introduced to the sport through Gunsynd and, in spite of the many champions that have come since, not many other horses quite matched the Goondiwindi Grey. Gunsyud fast became one of Australia’s most favourite gallopers back in the late 1960s and early 1970s. He was a sensation on the track, incredibly losing only once over the mile in his career when he was beaten by a half head in the Epsom Handicap carrying 62.5kgs. He seemed incredibly intelligent, often responding to the cheers of adoring crowds in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. Famed for various poses and mannerisms, Gunsynd was all character, even from his first Sydney starts as a young 2yo.

Foaled in 1967 at The Dip Stud, Breeza, New South Wales, Gunsynd was by the grey racehorse Sunset Hue (by the imported sire, Star Kingdom). His dam was a twin foal, Woodie Wonder, that ran third at her only start. Woodie Wonder was by the sire, Newtown Wonder (GB). She was the dam of eight foals, six of which raced for three winners. A full brother to Gunsynd, Sunset Red won the WJ McKell Cup and was the next best of Woodie Wonder's progeny. G. McMicking formed a syndicate with three others from his home town of Goondiwindi (pronounced Gundawindi) consisting of A. Bishop, J. Coorey and A. Pippos who purchased Gunsynd as a yearling for A$1300 at the 1969 Brisbane sales. He was affectionately known as the Goondiwindi Grey because his owners came from Goondiwindi and he was a grey in appearance - obviously.

Originally trained by Bill Wehlow, and later by Tommy Smith, Gunsynd raced from 1969 to 1973. As a four-year-old, under handicap conditions, Gunsynd won four major mile races - the Gr.1 Epsom Handicap, the Toorak Handicap, the George Adams Handicap, and the Doncaster Handicap, and, at five, was narrowly beaten by Triton in the 1972 Epsom Handicap. In the Doncaster Handicap he carried 60.5 kilograms to victory, and, in his second Epsom Handicap, was second with 62.5 kilograms. He then won the 1972 Cox Plate, was third, with 60.5 kilograms, to Piping Lane in the Melbourne Cup, and was named Australia's champion racehorse for the 1971-1972 season. Gunsynd transformed into a crowd favourite due to his striking grey coat and undeniable determination to succeed. As he strode out before winning his last race in Victoria, the Queen Elizabeth Stakes, Gunsynd stopped repeatedly to soak it all in and take in the large crowd, there to witness the champion run his final race at Flemington. He is widely regarded as one of the finest grey horses in the annals of Australian racing, if not the undisputed champion grey (although close relative Emancipation was decent). When comparing Gunsynd's racing record and prize money to the prize money increases by 2019, if he had raced today his stake earnings would possibly be over $10.9 million.

In 1973 Gunsynd was syndicated as a stallion for $270,618 and retired to Kia Ora Stud. His progeny included just four stakes winners of eight stakes races, Bensynd (1974), Tsunami (1975, won the Hyperion Stakes at Ascot), Midnight Gun (1977) and Domino (1978). Gunsynd also sired Ammo Girl, the dam of champion grey Emancipation, who was named Australian racehorse for the 1983-1984 season. Apex Park on the banks of the Macintyre River is home to the towering presence of the famous Gunsynd statue, funded by the Goondiwindi Apex Club and unveiled amidst much fanfare in 1974, created by stone mason, Tom Farrell.

RACE RECORD - 54: 29-6½-8

EARNINGS - A$280,455

Hopeful Stakes (1969)

Chelmsford Stakes (1970)

Rawson Stakes (1971, 1973)

Epsom Handicap (1971)

Toorak Handicap (1971)

Sandown Cup (1971)

George Adams Handicap (1971)

Futurity Stakes (1972)

Frederick Clissold Handicap (1972)

Hill Stakes (1972)

VRC Queens Plate (1972)

Doncaster Handicap (1972)

Colin Stephen Stakes (1972)

Caulfield Stakes (1972)

W. S. Cox Plate (1972)

VRC Queen Elizabeth Stakes (1972, 1973)

Blamey Stakes (1973)

AJC Autumn Stakes (1973)