Broadcaster steps up to honour late Queensland racecaller Wayne Wilson

RACING broadcaster Radio TAB has paid tribute to late Queensland racecaller Wayne Wilson by sponsoring a race named in his honour.

Sally Wilson, right, and daughter Honny Stephens with the Wayne Wilson Mile trophy. Picture: Annette Dew

RACING broadcaster Radio TAB has paid tribute to late Queensland racecaller Wayne Wilson by sponsoring a race named in his honour.

The Wayne Wilson Mile was first included on the Queensland racing program last year when it was won by Chris Waller frontrunner Strawberry Boy. Now sponsored by Radio TAB, the race will this year be run on Stradbroke Day at Eagle Farm on June 11.

Wilson was a stalwart of Radio TAB, calling Queensland races for the broadcaster from the station’s inception in 1991 until his last call in 2013.

Wilson died in 2014 after a brave 15-year battle with cancer.

His widow, Sally Wilson, said she was delighted to have a race named after him.

“My family is thrilled to have Radio TAB, where Wayne had such a wonderful association over so many years, to become involved in a race named in his honour,” Sally said.

“We are so grateful to the Brisbane Racing Club for their generosity to name the Wayne Wilson Mile in recognition of Wayne’s contribution to that club and broader racing industry throughout his calling career.”

The trophy for the Wayne Wilson Mile winner is a set of solid brass and ground glass binocular lenses, custom-designed by Hardy Brothers specifically to honour Wilson.

The Wayne Wilson Mile will be run at Eagle Farm on June 11. Picture: Chris Higgins

Originally published as Broadcaster steps up to honour late Queensland racecaller Wayne Wilson