A host of old friends turned out last Sunday night to farewell Brian Wood from the Warwick Farm racing scene - a place he’d called home for fifty six years. The Kiwi born horseman was barely fifteen years old when he arrived in Sydney in 1966 to begin his apprenticeship with expatriate NZ trainer Larry Wiggins. It was the first time he’d been out of his home country, and his first time on an aeroplane.
As he waited for his luggage to appear at the airport carousel, the little bloke from the West Auckland suburb of Glen Eden would never have dreamed he was destined to spend the rest of his days in Australia, and forge a distinguished career in NSW racing. I’m sure memories of that intimidating arrival would have flashed into Woody’s mind as he welcomed friends to the Iron Chef Restaurant at Cabramatta. The tribute dinner was organised by trainer Marc Conners and his wife Michelle.
Former jockeys to honour Brian were Adrian Walkinshaw, Aaron Huke, Pauline Wilding, Tony Marney, Keith Bonnyman, Sean Stepetz, Mark Galea, and Lesley Bellden who made history in 1983 when she became the first female jockey to win against men at historic Randwick. Also in attendance was Wayne Wheatley who’s still riding on the picnic circuit.
Woody gets ready to cut the cake at his farewell dinner on May 29.
The training ranks were represented by Clarry and Marc Conners, Graham Brown, Gary Nickson, Paul Cave, Joan Pracey, Pat O’Grady and John Steinmetz who did a sterling job as MC. Former Warwick Farm trainer Geoff Maynes made a special trip from Tamworth to raise a glass to a jockey with whom he enjoyed many winning occasions.
Woody’s love of harness racing is well documented. He’s been a trackwork regular at Paul Fitzpatrick’s Cawdor training farm for a decade. He’s had around twenty registered race drives, and joined an elite group in 2012 when he landed I’m Tom’s Girl an easy winner at Menangle for trainer Blake Fitzpatrick. Brian was delighted to see Paul, Gavin and Cameron Fitzpatrick in attendance on Sunday night.
Brian Wood in the colours of the Doyle family who raced Show County. The jockey has a set of the colours among his souvenirs - courtesy Steve Hart Photographics.
Several speakers heaped praise on the ever humble Woody who looked likely to disappear under his table at any minute. He shared that table with son Christopher, daughter-in-law Yvette and grand daughters Harper and Capri. Clarry Conners spoke glowingly of Brian’s unwavering support as a track rider over the last twenty years. “He missed very few days in twenty years, and I always valued his opinion of my horses” said Clarry. “This is the day I’ve been dreading. He’ll be almost impossible to replace.”
From all reports Woody tried every trick in the book to avoid an official response. When he finally picked up the microphone the words came easily. He reminisced about the horses and horse people who’d helped him along the way and recounted several funny stories. He reminisced about his 1975 Queen Elizabeth Stakes win on Jandell at the expense of champion mare Leilani. Predictably he paid a warm tribute to his once in a lifetime horse Show County, to trainer Max Wiggins and the Doyle family who owned the brilliant sprinter.
Woody rode Show County in 26 of 27 starts for 12 wins. The brilliant sprinter gave the jockey the ride of a lifetime - courtesy Steve Hart Photographics.
Woody hasn’t ridden in a race for several years now, but to the delight of the Warwick Farm locals made a brief return to the trials at the height of the Covid restrictions. With jockeys in short supply Brian jumped on a number of runners for Clarry and Marc Conners. Apart from noticeably longer stirrup leathers, he looked as though he’d never been away.
The evergreen horseman made his final appearance at Warwick Farm trackwork on Monday May 9th. He rode two horses - one for Clarry Conners and one for Graham Brown. He’d never admit it, but it’s a safe bet he had a lump in the throat as he drove home that morning. Woody recently sold his Hammondville home and has purchased an apartment on the outskirts of Port Macquarie. With daughter Cherie and her family living near Wauchope, Brian has been a regular visitor in recent years and has become very fond of the locality.
Brian was on a Clarry Conners horse when this one was snapped. Tony Marney doubles as strapper.
Only a handful of retired Australian jockeys have continued to ride work until age 70. Brian will reach this important milestone in July, confounding the many observers who think he’s a good deal younger. He’s been going one hundred miles an hour all of his life. He hasn’t long terminated his role as a riding instructor with the University of Western Sydney’s Tafe facility at Richmond. That began as a once a week commitment, but soon increased to four days. It wasn’t unusual for the indefatigable Woody to go for a 20km bike ride on a Sunday.
The remarkable Mr. Wood doesn’t expect to have the slightest difficulty adjusting to retirement mode at Port Macquarie. Family and friends are not so sure. Most of them give him about a month before he’s looking for a new challenge.
(Banner image - Woody farewelled Warwick Farm in early May. Here he is with old friend Tony Marney last December.)