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Racing NSW has been informed of the passing of Mr Ray Markey aged 80.

Ray rode from 1957 up until 1975 and accumulated more than 500 winners.

He began his apprenticeship in 1967 with his father Vince Markey in Brisbane.

Two of Ray’s brothers also rode as jockeys, Cecil and Danny Markey. Ray’s Grandfather on his mother's side of the family, Burt Studders, also rode as a jockey and later became a horse trainer.

Ray was the 1964 Queensland Champion Apprentice and in 1969 moved to Sydney to be the stable rider for John Poletti.

At his second ride for John, he rode Prince Solo to win on debut at Warwick Farm.

Ray rode extensively around NSW and won many country cups including the Walcha Cup.

He rode in a few Group 1 races including the 1973 Golden Slipper and the 1974 AJC Derby.

Ray retired in 1976 following a bad fall that broke his leg in multiple places.

Robynne, his wife, had begun making race colours in 1970, so in 1976 they joined forces and began Markey Saddlery, operating out of their house, and one of their first clients was the legendary horse trainer Tommy (TJ) Smith.

To this day, Markey Saddlery remains the leading manufacture and retailer of thoroughbred racing equipment in Sydney, from their Liverpool base.

The details of Ray Markey’s service follow:

Celebration of Ray Markey from 11am on Friday, 8th December 2023 at Castlebrook Memorial Park, The Garden Chapel, Windsor Rd, Rouse Hill, followed by a 12pm burial.

A wake for Ray will commence at 12.30pm (to 3.30pm) at The Fiddler, Lounge Room, Cnr Commercial Rd & Windsor Rd, Rouse Hill.