The racing world was stunned by the unexpected death of Guy Walter, among the most respected horse trainers the turf has known.

I had the pleasure of knowing the man, he was the perfect gentleman, he always greeted you with a warm smile and a firm handshake, he was great company.

Walter was born and bred (an old term) in Mudgee, he worked for Bart Cummings and Neville Begg before obtaining his ticket to train and going out on his own.

He became a successful trainer winning 36 Group 1 races and more than 120 Stakes races, totalling over $40 million in prize money.

There were a lot of good horses to pass through the Warwick Farm stable, but none better than Tie The Knot, he was a favourite.

The quietly spoken Walter underplayed his role in the development of the Nassipour gelding; however, it was the trainer’s time and patience that made the horse.

That attracted owner breeder Sandy Tait, he certainly selected the right man to train Tie The Knot, the horse was a handful at first but once gelded became a highly intelligent animal, you could do anything with him.

Guy Walter’s achievements on the race track were remarkable, but what was more impressive was the way he was respected and liked by all across the racing industry.

We are privileged to have known him as a trainer and a great man in so many ways. Not to mention his great skills and success in training so many champion racehorses.

During a stellar career he led home the trifecta in the 2005 Doncaster Handicap at Royal Randwick with Patezza, Court in Session and Dannie Martine, a rare feat in a Group 1 race.

Among the top class performers to pass through his hands were Defier, Spinning Hill, Republic Lass, Wild Iris, Toydini, Excites, Appearance, and the Doomben Cup winner, Streama.