Few people packed more life into 82 years than Gavin, and simply being in his presence was often either a terrifying, or tantalizing, experience. Sometimes unpredictable but never dull. Mostly entertaining while enjoying his optimistic outlook and humour,” writes Craig Ramsay in a tribute to Gavin Walker published on the KZN Breeders website.
While owning Bush Hill Nursery near Midrand, Gavin and his wife Gill purchased and began developing his dream of breeding and racing Thoroughbreds on what was part of the original Hartford breeding and racing empire.
Bush Hill Stud opened for business in 1975 and it was here that Gavin gave me my greatest opportunity to get a fingerhold in the industry by appointing me manager and allowing me the freedom, with his encouragement, to develop the business as far as I could take it.
After recognising the potential of Mexico from his first year at stud, one of Gavin’s earliest successes was the multiple Stakes winning filly Mexican Magic who won 9 times and always held a special place in his heart.
Owner breeder Gavin Walker is seen leading in Halfway To Heaven back at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth in 2013 (Pic – Supplied)
Fittingly, after a lifetime committed to, and generously supporting racing and breeding, including serving as the Chairman of the Natal Breeders Club for many years, his proudest achievement was breeding and racing the multiple Champion Broodmare of the Year Halfway to Heaven, and being able to watch her first three foals win Grade 1 races.
Gavin sold Bush Hill to Warwick and Karin Render and retired to the Cape in 1998. Warwick and Karin have proudly continued what Gavin and Gill began many decades ago, producing Grade 1 winners from these same paddocks.
Gavin was a tough man. But equally generous, fair, and when encountering children, gentle.
He despised bullies as much as he was willing to help someone in need, and if these two met in his presence and the bully attempted to take advantage of the other’s vulnerability, I often witnessed the bully being persuaded it would be in the best interests of his future health (after recovering from this lesson), to consider changing his attitude.
Having kept in touch with Gavin after I emigrated to New Zealand it was a pleasure to show him around when he recently visited us, and equally so when Tammy and I were able to spend a day with him when visiting South Africa last year.
It was clear Gavin was facing health challenges, but as always, he refused to complain and remained as positive as possible about his situation.
When speaking to him a few weeks ago, it was reassuring that his life’s principles weren’t changing.
Gavin gave me my first management opportunity, supported my progress after leaving Bush Hill, and has always remained a solid source of guidance and encouragement. Gavin was a special friend, and I will miss him.
- Craig Ramsay on www.kznbreeders.co.za
