Stewart McGrail remembered for his wide contribution to racing

Media Release - Thursday April 14

The combination of a warm personality and a wide reach across thoroughbred racing made Stewart McGrail one of the best-known and well-liked members of the lower North Island racing fraternity.

Former racing journalist, handicapper, judge, and administrator Stewart McGrail has died. Photo: Race Images

Reflections of the man known to everyone as Stu have been many these past few days in the wake of news that at age 85, he passed away last Saturday in Bundaberg on the Queensland coast.

His death came after several years of poor health and, typical of so many of his ventures in life, was on his terms.

“Stu ended up living in Bundaberg after a health episode four or five years ago when he was visiting my brother Gregory,” McGrail’s Feilding-based son Kelvin said.

“He had emphysema and the warmer climate over there suited him, but it got to the stage that he ended up in hospital under pretty serious care and last week he decided enough was enough.

“He made a few phone calls, including to the family back here, and said he had had it with being hooked up to machines. His last wish was to watch the Sydney Cup races, which was quite an omen.

Advertisement

“He was very accepting of his situation and as he had said on a number of occasions ‘I can’t complain; I’ve had a good innings’.”

McGrail’s wide contribution to racing included journalism, handicapping, judging and administration.

Growing up in the Wanganui district, his early working life was at local wool stores and on the Castlecliff wharf, before becoming involved in publishing. That was originally as a linotype operator at the Wanganui Chronicle before getting the break he was looking for as a racing journalist with the Hawke’s Bay Herald Tribune.

In time he combined journalism with the role of handicapper for the Hawke’s Bay, Waipukurau, Poverty Bay and Wairoa clubs, along with official raceday judging duties, when his gravelly voice became a familiar sound to racegoers across the region and through broadcast channels.

Before the internet made data more accessible, he also published the New Zealand Racing Form Record, a weekly subscription service detailing all race results and posted to clients throughout the country.

In the late 1980s McGrail moved to the Hong Kong offshore enclave of Macau as handicapper before returning to New Zealand and the beginning of more than a decade as secretary-manager with the Woodville-Pahiatua Racing Club.

He continued to supply trackwork notes from what was still a busy training centre on the western side of the Manawatu Gorge as well as judging at race meetings, with his last official day in that role at a Wanganui meeting in September 2016.

A reduction in work output meant more leisure time for lawn bowls, golf and other pursuits, including shares in racehorses.

“He enjoyed his bowls and it got to the stage he took it pretty seriously, from memory once getting to the last 16 in a national fours competition,” said his son Kelvin.

McGrail, who was predeceased several years ago by his wife Shirley, never lost his dry but kindly humour, nor his practical approach to life.

“He had his own way of looking at things, but always positive and understanding,” Kelvin said.

“They’re planning a get-together for Dad in Bundaberg and then his ashes will be delivered back home and we’ll mix them with Mum’s and scatter them on the farm here at Colyton.

“I’m sure they’d like that.” – NZ Racing Desk

 

 

 

 

Advertisment
More Reading...
$2,000 Gavelhouse Bargain Keeps on Winning!
The Grey Goose continued to belie her purchase price last start when recording her fifth win at Wingatui, bringing her career earnings to more than $225,000.
Cambridge Stud News
It’s been the spring that keeps giving for Cambridge Stud and it’s not over yet.
$1.3million Snitzel Colt Ready to Fire on Debut for Te Akau
Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson are confident they have the young firepower to make an early impression in the first of the black type features at Pukekohe Park on Saturday.
Best On Breeding
The cerise, white crossed sashes and black cap of Bob Peters, Peter's Investments, may not be the once dominant force they have been for decades in Western Australian racing, but they are far from finished.
Sires With Winners - Thursday November 21
Here is the full list of 32 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Vale, Danny Champion
The thoroughbred racing industry is in mourning following the passing of respected horseman Danny Champion.
City of Troy Crowned 2024 Cartier European Horse of the Year
Outstanding Justify colt City of Troy was crowned Horse of the Year at the 2024 Cartier awards on Wednesday night in London at a star studded ceremony at the Dorchester Hotel.
Pinhook Winners 2024 NZB Ready to Run – Churchill Colt the Star
A record breaking NZB Ready to Run Sale this week at Karaka delivered plenty of pinhook success with 18 two year-olds selling for $300,000 or more above their yearling purchase price, so let’s take a look at some of the best of them.
Magic Millions 2025 Magazine Online
The 2025 Magic Millions magazine is now online with a great mix of gallery images, editorial and vendor profilies.
Castelvecchio Out for Remainder of Season
Aeliana’s late charge into second place in the $1.5million Group I MRC Thousand Guineas last Saturday stamped her as the filly to follow out of the race, but it wasn’t quite enough to put her sire Castelvecchio to the top of the second season sires list and he is now out of service at Arrowfield following surgery last week.