Cecil Ray

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.

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 on 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.

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.

Major wins

1929: Brocklesby Stakes – No Fear

1929: Esher Cup – Ghost Train 

1929: Coventry Stakes – Diolite
1929: Bibury Cup – Cheerio

1929: Knowsley Nursery (Liverpool) – Phonemeter 

1933: Greenham Stakes – Harinero 

1933: Irish Derby – Harinero 

1933: Irish Oaks – Salar 

1933: Chesterfield Cup – Colorado Kid 

1933: Irish St Leger – Harinero 

1934: Irish Derby – Primero (dead heat)

1934: Royal Hunt Cup – Caymanas