RACING’S fraternity today mourned the death of Guy Walter, remembered as not only a champion trainer, but as one of the true gentlemen of the turf.
Tributes flowed from all sections of the industry with a recurring theme: Guy Walter enjoyed the highest respect of his peers, the admiration of all those who worked with and alongside him and he was universally viewed as a humble and compassionate person who had time for everyone.
Stable jockey Blake Shinn, who partnered Streama to give Walter his 36th Group 1 winner just last Saturday, viewed Walter as “one of nature’s kindest gentlemen”.
“To be regarded as his stable jockey was an honour,” tweeted Shinn.
“He was like a father to me & I’ll miss him dearly.”
Hall Of Fame trainer Lee Freedman, like everyone, was shocked by the sudden passing of Walter, who died earlier today after suffering a heart attack at Warwick Farm trackwork.
“Great trainer, great friend and true gentleman,” tweeted Freedman.
Glen Boss’ sadness was palpable.
“I feel like I just lost my Dad. I loved this beautiful soul very much. Wendy my heart is so sad for you loss,” Boss tweeted.
Tommy Berry tweeted: “Words can’t explain the sadness I have for the loss (of) Guy Walter. He was a gentleman, a family friend and most of all a superb horseman. RIP.”
Nash Rawiller remembered Walter as “one of the true gentlemen of the turf”, a sentiment echoed by Kerrin McEvoy who tweeted : “True gentleman now not with us. We will miss you Guy.”
Chris Munce described Walter as “one of the best trainers and greatest human beings I have ever had the pleasure of riding for.”
Peter V’Landys, the CEO of Racing NSW, said he was shaken with death of Walter who had runners at yesterday’s Kensington meeting and appeared in fine spirits.
“Guy was one of the most popular and humble trainers I have ever met. I guarantee you would not find one person with a bad word for Guy; he was a very genuine, kind and respectful person,” V’Landys said.
“Guy was a man of the highest integrity and professionalism, and a wonderful role model for the racing industry.
“As the mark of the man, when Guy mentored apprentices he would call Racing NSW and insist we do not credit him for the usual 25% of the apprentice’s earnings. He wanted the fee to go back to the apprentice.
“Guy achieved some amazing success during his career and he will be sadly missed.”
Australian Turf Club Chief Executive Officer Darren Pearce said Guy Walter was universally known as one of the true gentlemen of the turf.
“Guy’s achievements on the track were remarkable, but what was even more impressive was the way Guy Walter was respected and liked by all across the racing industry,’’ Mr Pearce said.
“We were privileged to know Guy as a trainer and a great man in so many ways, not to mention his great skill and success in training champion racehorses.
“On behalf of the ATC Board, all of our staff and especially the close-knit community at Warwick Farm, all of our Members and the racing public, we salute Guy Walter and offer our most sincere condolences to his wife Wendy, his brother Jamie and all of the family.’’
Grahame Begg whose father Neville once employed Walter is his formative years, said his family was devastated by the news. “True gentleman. On behalf of Neville and myself condolences to his family. RIP champ.”
Kathy O’Hara tweeted: “Absolutely devasted .... speechless.”
Simon Marshall noted that Walter had “time for everyone” and ended his Tweet with the hash tag “old school champion”.
Lee and Shannon Hope tweeted their condolences to the Walter family and team. “We will be forever grateful to Guy for his support and belief in Blake Shinn.”
Oli Bell tweeted: “Really is desperately sad news about Guy Walter. Champion trainer. Champion man.”
Robbie Laing said Walter would be remembered as a "lovely person and a champion trainer", who had been taken too soon.
Hawkes Racing tweeted: Guy Walter crying in winner's stall after Streama won on Saturday. Glad Leebaz ran second to a true Group 1 gentleman."