HAWKE LEGACY
COAST TRAINER’S QUIRKY LINK
WHEN DAD PASSED AWAY WE KEPT IN TOUCH AND HE WOULD RING ME TO ASK IF I HAD A WINNER OR TO TALK ABOUT A HORSE
FORMER Australian Prime Minister Bob Hawke’s love of beer is well known but his love of punting is somewhat lesser known.
One of those who knew all about it, though, is Gold Coast trainer Bryan Guy, who became close friends with Hawke – who died on Thursday – through his father and former trainer Ray.
Ray, who passed away in 1992, met Hawke while training in Sydney and the duo struck up a bond that carried on to Bryan.
“They were just at the races and dad was introduced to him,” Guy said.
“He asked dad for his business card and dad gave it to him and they became mates.
“Bob used to ring and chat to dad and they would have a beer at the races.
“He would ring up on race mornings and ask dad what he thought he could win with. He was a very good form student.
“He could have been ringing from Parliament House for all I knew.
“When dad passed away we kept in touch and he would ring me to ask if I had a winner or to talk about a horse.
“My wife and I actually attended his second wedding (to Blanche d’Alpuget). He was a good racing man and a good bloke.
“The last time I spoke to him would have been a few years ago now.”
Guy will have six-year-old gelding Nelumbo racing in today’s Colts, Geldings and Entires Class 3 Handicap (1400m) after finishing fifth at a midweek meeting at Eagle Farm on May 1.
“He raced over a mile last start in town and sat three deep all the way. He was still in front with 100 yards to go,” Guy said. “His races haven’t been too bad. He is a wet tracker and we look like we will get a bit of wet weather.
“I have only had him for a few runs this preparation.”
Hawkie might be watching from above.