Ray is fondly remembered for his ride in the 1961 Melbourne Cup aboard Lord Fury, who led from start to finish in Australia’s greatest staying race.
Lord Fury is one of only three horses to lead the whole way and win the race that stops a nation™, later joined by Might and Power in 1997 and Twilight Payment in 2020.
Ray was widely known in racing circles as a great distance rider with a good “clock in his head”.
His first ride in Melbourne was in the 1948 Melbourne Cup as an apprentice, beginning a great association with Flemington.
He rode Royal Sovereign to victory in the 1963 Victoria Derby at Flemington and they went on to win the Queensland Derby and AJC Derby together.
Ray won the Group 1 AJC Derby a total of four times as well as the Group 1 Doncaster Handicap. He rode six Derbies in total and the Anniversary Handicap at Randwick a record ten times. His idol growing up was three-time Melbourne Cup winning-jockey Darby Munro.
Highly regarded by the racing fraternity across Australia, in 2013 Ray joined the Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour as an ambassador and partnered the three-handled trophy to local communities throughout New South Wales.
A frequent visitor to Flemington during Cup Week, Ray’s dry wit and ability to tell his story always captivated an audience.
He was a devoted husband and family man who will be missed by all within the racing industry.
VRC Chief Executive Steve Rosich extended his condolences on behalf of the club.
“Ray was a great ambassador for racing and will always be a part of Melbourne Cup history for his daring front-running ride aboard Lord Fury,” Mr Rosich said.
“He will be remembered for being a top-class jockey and a mentor for many on their way through the riding ranks.
“Our hearts and thoughts go out to Ray’s family and friends.”
