Ray Canning

Ray Canning

Article by Alan Trout

Raymond Joseph Canning made a promising start to his career over jumps with a win on his second ride in public but he did not add to his total over the next two seasons.  

Associated with the stable of Ken Whitehead at Malton, he had has first ride at Teesside Park on December 10, 1974, ending when Weather All was pulled up in the Wynyard Junior Novices’ Hurdle (Division 1). 

On his next ride the four-year-old Mr. Manacle came with a strong run to overhaul long time leader Ballykestrel and land the Seaham Harbour Selling Handicap Hurdle at Sedgefield on February 4, 1975 by a length. Two placed efforts from four starts was the best the pair could manage after their success. 

Near the end of the 1976 Flat season, Ken Whithead suddenly quit training after declaring himself bankrupt. That appears to have virtually put an end to Ray’s career as a jockey. His final ride ended when Walsham was pulled up on the flat when well behind in the Tower Novices’ Hurdle (Division 2) at Wolverhampton on November 8, 1976.