Gunsynd

Thoroughbred racehorse infobox
horsename = Gunsynd


caption =
sire = Sunset Hue
grandsire = Star Kingdom
dam = Woodie Wonder
damsire = Newtown Wonder
sex = Stallion
foaled = 1967
country = Australia
colour = Grey
breeder = Joe McNamara
owner = Bill Bishop, G Pippos
G.N McMicking, A.V Coorey
trainer = Bill Wehlow
T J Smith (at age 4)
record = 54: 29-7-8
earnings = AUD$280,455
race = 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)
Caufield Stakes (1972)
Cox Plate (1972)
VRC Queen Elizabeth Stakes (1972, 1973)
Blamey Stakes (1973)
AJC Autumn Stakes (1973)
awards= Australian Champion Racehorse of the Year (1972)
honours = Queensland Icon (2004)
Statue at Goondiwindi, Queensland
Australian Racing Hall of Fame
updated= March 12, 2007

Gunsynd (October 4 1967 - 1983) was an Australian champion thoroughbred racehorse who is remembered primarily for his exploits over the mile distance. Bred in New South Wales and foaled in 1967, he was a A$1,300 purchase at the 1969 Brisbane sales. Originally trained by Bill Wehlow and later in his four-year old season by T J Smith, Sydney's premier horse trainer, he competed in Australian racing from 1969 to 1973. He was affectionately known as the "Goondiwindi Grey", as his owners came from Goondiwindi (pronounced Gundawindi), and was pure grey in appearance.

As a miler, Gunsynd won five out of six races he took part in, being beaten narrowly by Triton in the 1972 Epsom Handicap carrying a top-weight. He also won the prestigious 1972 Cox Plate. He was sent out 4:1 second favorite and top weight of 60.5 kg for the 1972 Melbourne Cup in which he ran third to Piping Lane.

Gunsynd was always a favorite with the crowds due to his beautiful grey appearance, and because of his tremendous will to win. His great record is 54 starts for 29 wins, 7 seconds, 8 thirds and A$280,455 in prizemoney. He was arguably the best grey galloper in Australian history.

Retired to Kia Ora Stud when his racing days were over, he was less than successful but did sire Ammo Girl, dam of champion racemare Emancipation.

Suffering from cancer, Gunsynd was humanely euthanized at age 16. A statue of the great horse has been erected in the main street of his 'hometown' Goondiwindi in his memory. In 2004, he was the only animal named to the Queensland Icons list.

References

* [http://www.racingmuseum.com.au Australian Racing Hall of Fame]
* [http://www.pedigreequery.com/gunsynd Gunsynd's pedigree and racing stats]
* [https://www.queenslandracing.com.au/racingnews/131204Gunsynd.asp Queensland Racing article "Gunsynd Listed In Top 12 Queensland Icons"]
* [http://www.barnesphotography.com.au/gunsynd/page2.htm Barnes Photography detailed profile and photos of Gunsynd]