Racing world mourns loss of Melbourne Cup winning jockey Ray Selkrig
The Australian Thoroughbred Racing Industry is today mourning the loss of legendary jockey Mr Ray Selkrig OAM.
Mr Selkrig, 93, passed away yesterday afternoon following a long illness and will be fondly remembered as one of the gentlemen of the turf.
“Ray wasn’t only a champion jockey but a champion human being,” said Racing NSW’s Chief Executive, Peter V’landys AM.
“I will always remember his most welcoming and mischievous smile, and his friendliness to everyone.
“Sadly, our industry has lost one it’s favourite people, however, his achievements will remain with us forever,” Mr V’landys AM added.
Ray was an outstanding rider with more than 1800 wins to his credit including 35 Group Ones.
And he captured the nation’s attention in 1961 when he took out the Melbourne Cup aboard Lord Fury by taking the horse to the front and leading all the way at 20/1.
Ray won a total of four Australian Derbies at Royal Randwick on Prince Delville (1954), Royal Sovereign (1964), Swift Peter (1967) and Gold Brick (1972).
He also won the Sydney Jockeys’ Premiership (1958-59) beating Neville Sellwood and was runner-up the following two seasons.
In 2018 Mr Selkrig was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia for service to the Thoroughbred Racing Industry through a range of roles.
The jockeys riding at Saturday’s Rosehill Gardens race meeting will wear black armbands in honour of Mr Selkrig.
Mr Selkrig is survived by wife Pat and his greater family.