“It first started in 1889 by Richard Scholefield, who had a big early role in the Darling Downs Jockey Club, which would later become the Toowoomba Turf Club,” Woodford said.
“Richard also had the home Weetwood House, which is an iconic landmark home on the racecourse that still has race stables surrounding it.
“It has been steeped in history since then that has attracted a lot of great horses.
“Trainers here in Toowoomba have always been keen to win it, it means a lot to them on the racing calendar, it is that one race so many of them want to win.
“It has been around for so long this race and it is gaining momentum every year for the quality of race horse and the day itself.”
According to the Queensland Heritage Register, built in 1888, Weetwood House is one of Toowoomba's grander private residences of the late 19th century as the house was constructed during a period of economic boom in Queensland and during the development of the Darling Downs as an important regional centre.
“The grandeur of the house reflects the burgeoning strength of Toowoomba during the 1880s and it remains a significant example of late-19th century domestic architecture,” the Queensland Heritage Register explains.
“In Toowoomba, Scholefield quickly acquired a prominent profile. He served as a Justice of the Peace and was a distinguished member of various local clubs, including the Downs Club and the Toowoomba Turf Club.
“His land in Tor Street adjoined the racecourse (now known as Clifford Park Racecourse), and between 1878 and 1890 Scholefield held four positions with the Turf Club, which instituted the Weetwood Handicap to honour his work. This race is still held annually.”
Kemp, who trains out of the famous J.J. Atkins stables, refers to Fighting Teo as a big gentle giant that all his staff get along with.
Apprentice hoop Montanna Savva rides much of Fighting Teo’s work.
“Teo has won from 1400 metres up to 2400 metres,” Kemp, a former jockey, said.
“He trialled really good on the course proper. I think he will be back early but he will be strong at the finish.
“He only had the two runs in Melbourne, we decided to bring him back and give him a rest and now here he is starting off his prep again. He will build up after this into longer races.”
Resuming in a trial over 870 metres earlier this month, the seven-year-old gelding was beaten a nose around Clifford Park as he ramps up his return to the race track.
The son of Teofilo had a short lived spell in Melbourne earlier this year with champion trainer Peter Moody.
After a run of four efforts where Fighting Teo did not finish better than sixth across the back end of 2020 and into this year, Kemp sent his galloper down to former bush Queensland trainer Moody.
He went around at a big price on two occasions for Moody before returning to the Darling Downs for another Queensland campaign.
Toowoomba Turf Club CEO Lizzy King is looking forward to the 132nd running of the Weetwood Handicap and says all the Darling Downs trainers, including Mark Currie, Matt Kropp, Tony & Maddy Sears, Lindsay Hatch and Rex Lipp would love to win their big local race, just as Kemp has done so many times. 
“Kevin Kemp is an absolute gentleman of the sport,” King said.
“There is no doubt about that, he is extremely well respected among his peers and all industry participants.
“If anyone knows how to win a Weetwood it is Kevin Kemp.
“I know there would a lot of local trainers ready to shake his hand if he was able to win the race again.”
The 2021 Queensland Spring Racing Carnival heads west for the time-honoured Weetwood Handicap, Toowoomba Cup and the Pat O’Shea Plate take centre stage at Clifford Park on Saturday, September 25th.
Toowoomba's signature race, the Weetwood, has been moved from its traditional autumn timeslot to late September over the last few years.