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.

“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.

Advertisement

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...
Wootton Bassett Winning Whirl
It was a red letter day for Wootton Bassett (GB) at The Curragh overnight with a treble of winners highlighted by top class filly Whirl, who captured the Group I Pretty Polly Stakes (1m2f), a race won by the mighty Via Sistina in 2023.
Vinery Stud Announce Adam White as Interim Manager
From the 1st of July, Vinery Stud is pleased to announce the appointment of Adam White as Interim General Manager, following the resignation of Peter Orton. A dedicated and long-standing member of the Vinery team, Adam brings a wealth of experience and an in-depth understanding of both the business and the industry to this pivotal role.
Better Than Ready’s Metalart Wins Group 3 W J Healy Stakes
Improving off a third in the Listed Lightning Handicap at Eagle Farm recently, 4yo Better Than Ready gelding Metalart stepped up to 1200m to record his first black type success, winning the Group 3 W J Healy Stakes.
Sires With Winners - Friday June 27
Here is the full list of 48 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
$3million Won Through Inglis Xtra Bonus
A staggering $3m has now been won as part of the Inglis Xtra Bonus Series following today’s victory by the Cody Morgan-trained 3YO Considered at Dubbo.
Another Aussie SW Sourced from Aga Khan Studs
When Australian investors buy tried horses out of Europe from Aga Khan Studs they know they are getting quality, but the good ones don’t come cheap with Elamaz (IRE) sourced from their draft at the Arqana Arc Sale last year for €480,000.
Promising 2YOs for Pike
Tony Pike found it difficult to split his juvenile charges the last time they took each other on and it’s the same story at Ruakaka.
Red Right Out Wins MM Queensland Qualifier
The 2026 Pacific Fair Magic Millions Polo & Showjumping will feature the third annual Queensland Off-The-Track Cup (QOTT) final on Sunday, 11 January 2026 at Doug Jennings Park on the Gold Coast. 
Unbeaten So You Think 3YO WA's New Excitement Machine
One month to the day since he first set foot on a racecourse, So You Think’s three year old son  Opportunistic remains undefeated from three starts, is a dual stakes winner with earnings of $200,250 to his name, and is WA's new rising star of the turf.
Cambridge Stud to Sell Entire Draft at Karaka 2026
Leading thoroughbred nursery Cambridge Stud have committed their full support for NZB’s 2026 National Yearling Sales Series, with the announcement they will be selling 100% of their yearling stock at Karaka.