The signature voice of Queensland racing will be heard for the final time when Wayne Wilson retires after half a century of race calling at the end of the Eagle Farm meeting on Saturday.Wilson, 61, called his first race at Ferguson Park in Gladstone in 1960 before joining Brisbane radio station 4BC in 1969, serving under the late Vince Curry until taking over as head caller in 1982 and eventually becoming one of the country's best.Wilson idolised Curry and regarded it a privilege to be on the ai

The signature voice of Queensland racing will be heard for the final time when Wayne Wilson retires after half a century of race calling at the end of the Eagle Farm meeting on Saturday.

Wilson, 61, called his first race at Ferguson Park in Gladstone in 1960 before joining Brisbane radio station 4BC in 1969, serving under the late Vince Curry until taking over as head caller in 1982 and eventually becoming one of the country's best.

Wilson idolised Curry and regarded it a privilege to be on the airwaves in the halcyon days of southern legends Bert Bryant and Ken Howard.

Fast-forward 41 years and Wilson is still regarded today as one of the best callers in the country with his colourful and accurate race descriptions.

Who will ever forget his famous call of the 1992 Group One Stradbroke at Eagle Farm - his favourite race.

His emotive cry - "and here comes Rough Habit" is lodged firmly in the minds of many listeners, especially to the thousands of fans of the Kiwi star who claimed his second Stradbroke in a stunning career which also included three successive Doomben Cups.

Many are asking just why Wilson is calling it quits while he's still at the top of his game.

Ask the man himself and the answer is simple... family.

Wilson is a family man with two sons and has learned in life never to repeat a mistake.

He regrets not being part of his sons' early childhood, missing out watching them play sport on Saturdays because of his job commitments.

Now a proud grandfather of four, Wilson has vowed not to miss out again and wants a key role in his grandchildren's development.

"I could go on calling if I wanted to but I've had a good run," Wilson said.

"I've got four grandchildren and I want to have an influence in their lives and be a part of them.

"Family is my priority now.

"I missed my own kids growing up and subconsciously I'm compensating by wanting to be with my grandkids as they grow up."

Wilson knows retiring is one of the toughest decisions in any person's career but will look back with pride and distinction.

"I'll miss it (race calling) like hell," he said.

"I just love doing it and racing has been my life."

Wilson has seen some of turf's greats and the Stradbroke is still his cherished race.

He called his last Stradbroke in June when Black Piranha won the feature sprint for a second time and rated Show A Heart's victory in the 2002 Stradbroke as his second favourite call.

"Rough Habit winning his second Stradbroke in 1992 when he weaved his way through the field from last on the turn was my favourite," Wilson said.

"And Show A Heart and Falvelon fighting out the finish in 2002 was another great race.

"You can't get anything better than to see two great Queenslanders like them fighting out the finish of a Stradbroke."

The Brisbane Racing Club has organised a farewell dinner for Wilson on Thursday night which will be hosted by television personality Bruce McAvaney.