Racing Queensland has paid tribute to Group 1 winning trainer Kelso Wood who died on Tuesday after a long battle with illness.
Wood grew up in Brisbane and started his apprenticeship at age 14 with trainer Athol Strong. After six years he moved to Sydney and completed his apprenticeship with trainer Harry Plant.
Later he would work as Plant’s foreman in Sydney before taking out a license of his own, before he returned to Brisbane in the 1980s.
Wood prepared a number of outstanding horses throughout his near 60 years in racing, including but not limited to, 1993 Doomben 10,000 winner Unequalled, the 2012 TJ Smith (now JJ Atkins) with Sizzling and the 2013 Magic Millions 2YO Classic with Real Surreal.
Racing Queensland Chief Executive Officer Brendan Parnell said Wood was a shining light for racing in Queensland.
“On behalf of all at Racing Queensland we would like to convey our condolences to Kelso’s family and friends at this time,” Mr Parnell said.
“Kelso is being remembered as one of Queensland’s great trainers and as someone who highlighted the good things about racing in the state.”
Former jockey, now Brisbane trainer Chris Munce on Twitter said Wood was one of “the best trainers I had the privilege to ride for.”
Former Wood apprentice Michael Hellyer said Wood played a huge influence on his career.
Kelso Wood top-performing horses
- Sizzling (JJ Atkins, BRC Sires)
- Real Surreal (Magic Millions Two Year old Classic)
- Unequalled (Doomben 10,000, Marist Ashgrove Cup)
- High Classic (Ramornie Handicap x 2)
- Queenstown Kate (Doomben Roses)
- Prince Regent (Southern Cross Classic)
- Unequalled (Ascot Handicap x 2)
- Into The Red (Healy Stakes)
- Sea Breeze (Exhibition Handicap, Tattersall’s Mile)
- Awesome Warrior (Ipswich Cup)
- Snitzkraft (Falvelon)
- Prince Regent (Tommy Smith Slipper)
- Sea Breeze (Defence Force Cup)
- Swiftly Roman (Coca Cola Stakes)
- Storm Scene (Surround Stakes)
- Prince Celeste (QTC Claret Stakes)
- Lord Aaron (Runaway Bay Stakes)
- Unique Momento (Oaks Club Stakes)