Cecil Ray
1893 - 1948
1893 - 1948
Born in Kent on August 5, 1893, Cecil Cameron Ray emigrated to South Africa and became apprenticed to a South African stable. He rode over 700 winners before returning to England to ride for E. G. de Mestre and E. T. Sullivan.
Born in Kent on August 5, 1893, Cecil Cameron Ray emigrated to South Africa and became apprenticed to a South African stable. He rode over 700 winners before returning to England to ride for E. G. de Mestre and E. T. Sullivan.
The son of a bricklayer, he won several big races including the 1933 Irish Derby and Irish St Leger on Harinero, 1933 Chesterfield Cup on Colorado Kid and the 1934 Royal Hunt Cup Caymanas.
The son of a bricklayer, he won several big races including the 1933 Irish Derby and Irish St Leger on Harinero, 1933 Chesterfield Cup on Colorado Kid and the 1934 Royal Hunt Cup Caymanas.
He lost his jockey's licence in 1934 then, switching to training, achieved the unique double of losing his trainer's licence in June, 1946, as well.
He lost his jockey's licence in 1934 then, switching to training, achieved the unique double of losing his trainer's licence in June, 1946, as well.
Cecil died at Epsom from thrombosis on November 3, 1948, aged 55.
Cecil died at Epsom from thrombosis on November 3, 1948, aged 55.
His wife had died in a London nursing home following an operation on Thursday, 19 September, 1921.
His wife had died in a London nursing home following an operation on Thursday, 19 September, 1921.
Cecil (left) and Jackie Sirett seek refuge during a downpour at Worcester in 1926
Cecil (left) and Jackie Sirett seek refuge during a downpour at Worcester in 1926