Every body loved Ray

21 May 2022 | HRNSW MEDIA
Logo
Everybodylovedray.

Everybodylovedray. Photo by Club Menangle

IN WHAT is becoming a cliché, Australian Pacing Gold purchases are once again poised to dominate another rich feature

Just as they have in recent years – including last season's Group Ones such as the New South Wales Breeders’ Challenge, Breeders’ Crown, Vicbred, Derbys and Oaks – APG stock are aplenty in the Regional Championship - Metropolitan Final at Club Menangle tonight.

In fact, members of the APG 'family' complete half the field in the $100,000 event which is open to all comers.

APG's representatives include heat winners Schouten Island, Major Jarod and Everybodylovedray, which is chasing a sentimental victory for his breeder, Barbara Furina.

Following the death of her son Ray, Barbara referred to the colt as 'Rabbit' due to his tendency of constantly running around - a trait her son also had.

After buying the son of Always A Virgin at Sydney's APG Sale, trainer David Thorn was approached by Barbara about the stable name remaining, but the astute horseman went a step further.

"Barbara explained the situation with me and asked if the name Rabbit could stay with the horse," Thorn said. "Which I was more than happy to do.

"After that I starting thinking about what Barbara told me and tried variations of getting Ray into the horse's name.

"He then came out and won his first three starts, so it was a wonderful way for Barbara and her family to celebrate Ray's life."

A consistent performer with 12 wins and 21 placings from 81 starts, Everybodylovedray is in perfect condition for the Final according to Thorn.

To connections' dismay, however, the seven-year-old has drawn terribly in barrier 10.

"He has come back more mature and better within himself this time in," Thorn said. "I've been pretty happy with all of his runs, particularly the heat.

"His work since has been as good as ever and he's ready to run another good race.

"The draw isn't ideal and bad luck is always a worry, but as far as condition goes, there are no excuses."

 

Related News

2 October 2025
LISTEN: Dan and Rob on Friday Night Lights
Dan Mielicki and Rob Auber are back with this week’s episode of their new show, Friday Night Lights. Thanks to the support of Squires Loft Sunbury, Dan and Rob preview this Friday’s nine-race card from Melton Entertainment Park. CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE FULL EPISODE AT THETROTS.COM.AU
2 October 2025
Mitch enjoying a good season
Fresh off driving his 50th winner for the season, reinsman Mitch Ford will be out to continue what is currently his second-best season in the sulky in Hobart on Friday night. Ford had his first drive in the 2021 season, with his best season total being 71 wins in the 2022 season, which saw him win the...
2 October 2025
Daryl Douglas back in the groove with Bendigo win
Champion Victorian reinsman Daryl “Dasher” Douglas reminded the harness racing world of his class at Bendigo on Wednesday night, recording his first win in more than two years. CLICK HERE TO FULL STORY AT THE TROTS.COM.AU
2 October 2025
GOODFORM – Bronte's Thursday night Ballarat best bets
Bronte Nieuwenburg’s tips and selections for tonight’s eight-race card at Ballarat. CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL ANALYSIS AT THETROTS.COM.AU
2 October 2025
Running of the Bulls! Victoria's first harness slot race revealed
Birchip, a town famous for its bull and Australia’s best vanilla slice, is now home to Victoria’s first harness slot race. The $125,000 Cargill Running of the Bulls on March 8 is the newest addition to the racing calendar, which will have country Victoria at its core. CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL...
Click for more