3 minute read

The Joey Ramsden trained sprinter Red Ray stamped his ticket to stud with a commanding win in the G1 Mercury Sprint at Greyville on July 16.

It was a well-deserved first G1 success for Red Ray, who responded to the use of blinkers to record an easy two lengths win.

Red Ray’s victory continued the golden run for leading owners Ingrid and Markus Jooste.

They also own G1 Vodacom Durban July winner The Conglomerate, like Red Ray hailing from the Joey Ramsden yard, and Rabada, winner of the G1 Daily News 2000.

Red Ray had previously finished second in three other major G1 features.

Unplaced in his first two runs after a lengthy layoff after a single unsuccessful start in Dubai, Red Ray started a 7-1 chance for the Mercury Sprint.

He coasted home under regular rider Anton Marcus to score from the fast finishing pair Night Trip and Real Princess with former G1 Cape Flying Championship hero Gulf Storm fourth.

The winner stopped the clock in a time of 1.08.96.

Bred by Lammerskraal Stud, Red Ray is a son of two great producers both sadly now deceased –Western Winter and Nacarat.