There was only one Johnny Gayfer
Race 2 at the races at Woolamai on April 1st has been named “There’s only one Johnny Gayfer” by mates who have sponsored the race.
Who was Johnny Gayfer, racegoers at Woolamai this weekend may well say, when they see an intriguing race name on the program for the Phillip Island Health Hub race day at Woolamai on Saturday.
Yes, Race 2 is called “There was only one Johnny Gayfer”.
The answer to that question, say his grieving mates, is a much loved and larger than life character, who was a mainstay at the outings their tight knit group shared together at the Woolamai picnic races for over 20 years, and who will never be forgotten by them.
Johnny passed away in 2021.
He was certainly one of a kind, says close friend Noel Henderson.
“What better way to pay tribute to Johnny than by sponsoring a race at the course he loved in his name and in his memory,” Noel comments.
Particularly as the group were unable to attend his funeral because of Covid restrictions back in 2021.
It was Noel, involved at the Woolamai Surf Life Saving Club since the 90s, who instigated the enduring Woolamai race day tradition the group of 10 family and friends have enjoyed together for over 20 years.
“Johnny was always the life and soul of the event,” he comments.
“He organised all of the food, packed the eskies; and all of the beer as well.
“He was a catering legend, cooking up a storm for all our big events.”
In fact the pair, who met during their university days, ran a catering business together for a while.
It was called Over Cater.
And over cater was what the larger-than-life Johnny did. Both keen fishermen, Noel and Johnny named the boat they shared OverCater as well.
While Johnny loved going to the races, he was not big on betting, his mates say.
“He would have a bet on the long shots; but it was the social side of the day that appealed to him.”
Noel and Johnny’s mates will catch their usual race day bus to Woolamai this Saturday – as per the tradition followed for many years – but there’s a slight change of plan this year.
They’re going corporate for this occasion, in a course marquee complete with a tribute banner.
Johnny’s spirit will no doubt loom large on the day as they drink a beer or two in his honour, and hopefully it might urge a few of the longshots he would have backed on to greater things.
Specially designed stubby holders have been created for the event.
A song, written by mate Dennis Miller, composed in Johnny’s honour, will no doubt be sung lustily after Race 2 is run.
Johnny’s three children will also be trackside to make the trophy presentation.
This coming Woolamai Race Day, the legend of the one and only Johnny Gayfer will certainly live on.
The race day is a fundraiser for the Phillip Island Health Hub Auxiliary, with proceeds going to the Health Hub, Urgent Care Centre and the new community hospital.
