Walcha trainer George Woodward clinched the May award with a stellar day at Glen Innes on May 7th. The 76 year old took eight horses to the meeting and came away with three winners, two seconds and one quinella. Winners for the Woodward stable were Skipper George (Danny Peisley), Cliffs Of Moher (Yvette Lewis) and Blue Sky Moon (Yvette Lewis). Skipper George defeated his stablemate Barren Jack in the opening race. Cliffs Of Moher and Blue Sky Moon were formerly trained in Sydney by George’s good friend Paul Cave.
George Woodward’s love affair with horses began early in life when he attained a high level in the camp drafting discipline. Twenty five years ago he decided to try his hand in the art of thoroughbred training from a Port Macquarie base, and has enjoyed ongoing success. For most of that time he owned a successful trucking business which operated out of Brisbane under the control of a manager. George sold the business just three years ago.
He surprised many friends and associates around six years ago when he decided to leave the balmy coastal environment of Port Macquarie to settle in the much cooler climate of Walcha on the Northern Tablelands. He lives on a 137 acre property opposite the local golf course, and is the one and only trainer stabled on the Walcha racecourse. “We have the use of some excellent facilities on track, and I’m able to take horses home for a spell or a freshen,” says George. “The winters can be a bit severe but I’m here for keeps. We have the use of a top class horse truck and some smaller floats which enable us to comfortably access several tracks in the region.”
George made the move to Walcha 6 years ago. He's the only trainer on the local racecourse - courtesy Bradley Photographers.
The veteran trainer predicts a bright future for his first year apprentice Martitia Cross, whom he regards as a natural talent. He extols the loyalty and the talents of his long time foreman Johnno Byrne. George has been known to pop up with a long priced winner from time to time, the most recent being Manor Road at Gunnedah on May 2nd. The gelding started at a whopping $151 with apprentice Zara Lewis on board. Just over two years ago he won a Walcha maiden with Trip To London at $101, and gave punters a “heads up” in a Sky Racing Radio interview on race morning.
Bush trainers have to do their best with mediocre horses, many of which are cast offs from metropolitan stables. To win a race anywhere is often quite an achievement. To win three in one day with a quinella to boot, is a performance deserving of the Hygain/Mitavite monthly award. George Woodward is in line for twelve bags of the product of his choice.
George proudly displays the 2018 Inverell Cup trophy. He won the race with Loud Enough and made it a double on the day with Ayda - courtesy Bradley Photographers.
(Banner image - Blue Sky Moon made it 3 for the day at Glen Innes May 7 - courtesy Bradley Photographers.