RAY Besanko, a third generation trainer, was the toast of Flemington after the win of Red Inca in the Seascay Handicap.
Red Inca had hardly passed the post when Ray was interviewed, his first words were, “this one is for you dad,” his dad, Jack, is in a nursing home at Mordialloc.
It was a red letter day in the life of Ray Besanko, he was licensed to train in June 2001, he has done a hard tough apprenticeship in winning his first race at Flemington.
The name Besanko is well respected around Mordialloc and the old Epsom training centre, formerly a close knit racing community.
Closing of the training centre was a tragedy that should never have happened, it interfered with family living, creating hardship for a lot of good genuine people, trainers were forced to relocate, there was no option if they were to remain in the industry.
Epsom was sold up for housing, as was Mentone, a decision by money hungry administrators; it was of little benefit for those good hard working citizens that were affected.
Ray’s father, Jack, was one of those that didn’t bother to relocate; he sold up the old stables that had housed several good horses trained by his father, also Jack, including Grand Print, placed twice in the Melbourne Cup, and Gay Lad, winner of the VRC and AJC St Leger Stakes.
When Ray took on training he had the blessing of his father, there have been a few slow horses along the way, they go with the job, there is now a sign of light at the end of the tunnel, Red Inca might be just the one.
He won pretty well at Flemington on Saturday after coming from near the rear of the field, with a well sustained run that saw him reach the lead 50 metres out.
The mission now is the Australian Guineas; he will get the mile on what we have seen to date.
He is likely to use the 1400 metres of the Group 3 C S Hayes Stakes at Flemington as the lead into the Guineas.
Congratulations to the winning connections: Sakareassen, Mr M W Lowe, Mr W G Clifford, Ms K L Shields, Mr K J Goodall, Mr W M Goodall, Mr R G Blanche, Mr A J Tuckwell, Mr D Zavitsanos, Mr A G Westwood, Mr P G D Maloney, Mr B J Isard, Shana 3
Photo Courtesy: Sharon Chapman ©