Tassie harness racing mourns popular trainer Wayne Rattray

The Tasmanian harness racing is in mourning after the death of popular trainer Wayne Rattray who enjoyed a stunning career. Relive his achievements.

Tasmanian harness trainer Wayne Rattray with Cody Maverick (left) and Kalaeta Crown (right).

The Tasmanian harness racing industry lost one of its greats last week with the passing of hall-of-fame trainer-driver Wayne Rattray, aged 86.

Rattray dominated the Tasmanian harness racing scene during the 1980s and early 1990s, collecting six trainers premierships, and during the 1989/90 season, he became the first Tasmanian trainer across both equine codes to prepare 100 winners a season.

He produced a large number of horses that raced at the top level, not only in Tasmania but throughout Australia including the likes of Karalta Gift, who won three heats of the Inter Dominion series; Karalta Bay, winner of the 1989 Tasmanian Pacing Championship; and Napoleon Stone, who also won the Tasmanian Pacing Championship in 1986.

His journey in harness racing began in 1974 when he drove his first winner, First Credit.

His red and black racing colours were chosen from his days at the Ringarooma Football Club, one of several clubs he was involved with. He was also successful in his early years as a tennis player and axeman.

Initially based in the state’s north-east, Wayne moved to Longford in 1985 to set up the Karalta Racing Stables, which he used until his retirement at the end of the 1991/92 season.

His retirement was short-lived, with Wayne and his wife Gaye moving back to the state’s north-east where they raced a small number of horses for themselves, including Cody Maverick, who he told those close to him was a horse that had the potential to be his best, with the pacer being put-down after a race fall in a Group 1 race in Victoria in 2008.

He also employed many young people to help kickstart their careers in the industry and was always happy to offer advice to those who sought it.

The Rattray name, synonymous with excellence in the Tasmanian harness racing industry, will remain prominent in the state’s form guides for many decades.

Three generations are actively involved in training, driving, ownership, and breeding, and some of his great-grandchildren are actively involved in the state’s mini-trot program.

His funeral will be held in Scottsdale on Thursday.

Up and comers to shine at Elwick

The St. Leger and Laurels finals are the feature events on Thursday’s 10-race greyhound card at Elwick.

Rupee Rebel is one of the main chances in the St Leger.

He recently won the semi-final and final of the Breeders Classic in Launceston from near-impossible positions. He is building up an impressive record of five wins and six placings in his 14-start career.

Also, recent winners, including Surveillance, Simply Danger, and the consistent Seattle, have strong chances in the race.

In the Laurels, recent Tasmanian Oaks and state Sprint Championship winner Sweet Sundown has drawn box eight and is one of the main chances along with the Pat Ryan-trained kennel mate Red Stiletto and the Ted Medhurst-trained Fly High Bet.

Duncan Dornauf is also a race caller for Sky Racing.