Episode 348: Bryan Guy

We catch up with Bryan Guy who called time on his training career recently when Gold Coast developers secured his training property at Bundall. Bryan explains his decision to retire earlier than expected. He talks of his twenty two year training partnership with son Daniel. Should Daniel not proceed Bryan is acutely aware that the Guy training dynasty will evaporate. The 67 year old goes back to early days when he was riding trackwork at Rosehill for his father Ray. He talks of Ray’s battle to get off the ground as a professional trainer in the early 60’s. Bryan says Ray Guy never enjoyed the luxury of spending power at the yearling sales but maintained a great strike rate with inexpensive horses. He acknowledges the talents of his uncle Max Guy. Bryan reflects on some of the best horses trained by his father, and the stable’s association with pioneer syndicators Hyperion Thoroughbreds. The trainer fondly remembers Ravarda, the $10000 purchase who went on to win $1 million and two Gr 1’s. He talks of several talented apprentices to come through the Guy stable. Bryan is still impacted by the sudden death of his father in 1992. He says he encouraged Max Guy to apply for a trainer’s licence. He looks back on his first win with All Our Mob, the horse destined to take him to the Gr 1 stage. He lost All Our Mob under sad circumstances. Bryan talks of his decision to leave Rosehill when building development engulfed the old racing precinct. He sent son Daniel and staff member Russell Booth to open a satellite stable on the Gold Coast. He acknowledges the talents of Andrew Gibbons who began his riding career in the Guy stable, and Michael Rodd who was just getting started when the operation moved to Queensland. The stable has produced 1200 winners since moving north. Bryan pays tribute to his favourite horses with special mention of Derby winner Eagle Way. He marvels at the fact that he’s still training for a handful of owners who had horses with his father more than thirty years ago. Bryan talks of daughter Katie and her husband Barry Bowditch CEO of the Magic Millions sales company.  The veteran horseman closes with a special tribute to wife Kerry who’ll be seeing more of him than ever before.