It has been announced that veteran horseman Ray Gemmill, 84, will be retiring from the sport of Standardbred racing in December.
News of Gemmill’s decision comes courtesy of Tom Wolski’s column in The Province.
Gemmill’s stable numbers have reduced somewhat in the past few years. Although, since 2010 he has sent out 353 starters and has won 45 races. Starters from his outfit have also recorded 39 second-place finishes and 30 thirds. In total, since 2010, Gemmill’s starters have banked over $276,000 in purse earnings.
Wolski’s column centres on the fact that there are an abundance of horsemen in their eighties that still actively participate in live racing at Fraser Downs.
In addition to Gemmill, who will be calling it a career on December 7, horsemen Bill Young (age 87), Marcel Bouvier (82), Dan Ingram (84), Leo LaBalle (88), Vianney Archambault (86) and Magne Ness (82) have all been active at Fraser Downs this season.
(Pictured in the photo [from left to right] are Dan Ingram, Bill Young, Ray Gemmill, Richard Craig and Marcel Bouvier.)
(With files from the The Province)
Best wishes on your
Best wishes on your retirement I worked with you out of Doc Finley's barn with innocent Bob Hope you enjoy your retirement Ted Watt Arthur Ontario
Ray was born and raised near
Ray was born and raised near Cobden, Ontario . He comes from a family of hard workers and Ray certainly followed that tradition . He worked for my Dad for awhile and then trained his horses at our training track in Pembroke . Ray will always be associated with the horse " Innocent Bob " . Both horse and driver were tough to beat !
Happy retirement to a great guy and thanks for the wonderful memories.
Cheers,
Hec Clouthier
Never met Ray, but remember
Never met Ray, but remember he drove some our horses at Connaught, and Rideau Carleton in the 60's. That is longevity. Enjoy retirement.
This man will always be
This man will always be involved. What a great horseman and person he is. Known Ray for over 30 years, they don't come better than Ray. Happy retirement my dear friend!
My family has known Ray
My family has known Ray Gemmill for around 60 years and my dad and Ray were great friends and I have all good memories of him too. Hope you have a Wonderful Retirement and enjoy life to the fullest, as you always have. Your brother Wally, and Keith Waples will see you don't stray too far.