Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) and the Victorian harness racing community was saddened to hear of the passing of one of its long-time gentlemen in Ray Bennetts, who passed away peacefully after a short but dignified battle with cancer last Tuesday.
Ray was the loving and much-loved husband of Win (deceased), cherished father of Dianne, Lynette and Gary, loved and respected father-in-law of Malcolm and Jan, proud and adored Pa of David, Adam, Jason, Rachel and Amber.
Soon after trotting moved from the showgrounds at Moonee Valley in October 1976, Ray took over the role of Drivers Room attendant where he spent almost 30 years looking after reinsmen and women.
His duties included, but were not limited to, payment of drivers, looking after their valuables, ensuring they were in correct attire, colours and in the parade ring on time.
Ray also ensured that the constant, and inevitable, pranks that took place never got too far out of hand.
When the trots moved to Tabcorp Park Melton he came along in the first year before retiring in 2011. He was no stranger to Tabcorp Park Melton though, continuing to attend casually regularly for three or four race nights a month, often alongside his great mate and top race rider Jim Johnson.
Ray saw the careers of top drivers Gavin Lang, Chris Alford, Daryl Douglas and John Caldow develop over the years and the emergence of many pioneering women drivers including Jodi Quinlan, Gaita Pullicino and Kerryn Manning.
Ray will be sadly missed by all trots drivers that he helped over the years. The trots community passes on sincere condolences to Ray's family.
Ray Bennetts’ funeral will be held in the Joseph Allison Chapel, 941 Mt Alexander Road, Essendon, on Tuesday May 23 commencing at 10am.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Cancer Council would be appreciated. Envelopes will be available at the chapel.
