Ray pays tribute in the best way

Harness racing friends are rallying around colorful Wagga Wagga horseman, 79 year old Ray White, who experienced the lows and highs in a challenging time last week.

White’s younger brother Cyril was killed in a tragic truck accident last Monday, but four days later White was able to pay tribute in the best of ways, with a surprise win on his talented pacer Menames Needy.

“Cyril was involved in the trots quite a few years ago and he wouldn’t have wanted me to miss it,” White said.

“He used to drive dad’s horses and a few of his own, as well one or two for others. He was a pretty good driver when he was young-I have a feeling that he may have represented New South Wales a few times,” he said.

Cyril White and another man died in what police described as a freakish accident when their truck, with a mounted crane, crashed into a railway overpass at North Wagga.

“I’ve been playing over the accident in my head. How did it happen and why?” White said.

“Cyril worked all his life; he was a workaholic. If he wasn’t welding something, he’d be working on trucks, helping someone out or with the horses.

“I got overwhelmed at the meeting by all the well wishes I got from people at the trots and who’ve been in touch since.”

White has predicted a bright future for Menames Needy, bred and raced by his daughter Deborah.

Menames Needy (Warrawee Needy-Debbie Joy (Four Starzzz Shark) has now won three races with seven placings from 21 starts.

The pacer was sent forward at last Friday’s meeting by White and landed in the death-seat. He responded nicely when asked for an effort on the home corner and fought on impressively for a game win in 1.57-8.

“He’s up there with the best that I’ve had over the years. His sire Warrawee Needy was a beauty. He had speed and was tough,” he said.

“We’re hoping Menames Needy is getting back to his best. He’s had a few issues in recent months so I’ve been to the trials a bit, but we’ve only had the three runs for a win and a place.

“If we can get his old dash back, we’ll have some fun. But we aren’t there yet.”

Over the years White has been associated with some smart performers.

“Vision Hanover was the second fastest three-year-old behind Rip Van Winkle at one stage. He won a string of races on end. We won derbies with Risky Red, while another one in Mr Langus took out some sires events,” he said.

White said he still enjoys race driving and the sport keeps him active.

“I suppose the alternative would be to go down to the mall and twiddle my thumbs! That’s just not for me,” he laughed.

By Terry Gange for Harnesslink