His 2019 induction into the NRL Hall of Fame was widely lauded.
The moment news of Ray’s retirement hit the airwaves it became a priority to lock him in for a podcast. After all I have known the man for fifty four years, and we spent a lot of time together in his early days with the 2GB Macquarie team. His journey in Australian sports media has been a fascinating one - from a humble start as a harness racing commentator on Riverina tracks, to the upper echelon of Australian sports broadcasting.
He admits there was a major degree of sadness surrounding his decision to retire.
Ray says a century of State of Origins would have been the perfect way to end his career, but he resisted the temptation.
He talks of wife Cher’s concerns about his increasing anxiety attacks.
Ray was happy to talk of his early family life in Junee. He was the youngest of seven born to parents Joe and Win. He pays tribute to his Mum and Dad.
He reminisces about a trip he and I made to Junee in the early 70’s. Our opportunity to call a race or two at the Junee trots was thwarted by a freak cloudburst.
Ray was gobsmacked to learn that a bronze likeness of himself was to be erected in his hometown. He shares the full story about an idea promulgated by his great friend Ray Hadley.
The recent retiree talks of his fascination with the legendary race caller Ken Howard. He was humbled to work with Ken for a short time after his move to Sydney in 1969.
Ray reviews some early events in his working life.
He talks of his elation when offered a full time job with prominent regional radio station 2LF, and the surprise telegram which conveyed an invitation to join 2GB.
Ray looks back on early days when he and I shared race calling duties at the provincial gallops and Harold Park trots.
He talks of his very first association with Channel 9 - the opportunity to call live greyhound racing on a Saturday night programme called British Comedy Gone To The Dogs.
The ace sports commentator looks back on 2GB’s shock decision to become a full TAB station in 1972. The new format failed miserably. The punters loved it but there were not enough of them to keep the station afloat in the tough Sydney market.
Ray has never forgotten the day his boss Garth Cary sent him to the SCG when the resident football caller took ill. It was to change his life.
He looks back on the shock offer from the Ten Network to head up the commentary team on a new and exciting concept called the Amco Cup.
Ray was thrilled to return to race calling during his Ch 10 days. He got to call three Melbourne Cups. He was devastated in 1986 when Rex Mossop was brought over from Ch 7 to take over Rugby League duties. He explains how Sky Channel kept him afloat during an unhappy time in his life.
He talks of the undreamed of opportunity to call the football for the Nine Network, unquestionably his golden years. Ray nominates his favourite Grand Final and nominates the players for whom he had the most respect and admiration.
Ray talks of the style he developed over the years with one surprise revelation.
He pays tribute to some of his favourite co-presenters.
Rabs talks of family - sons Mark and Chris and his only daughter Holly. He makes special mention of his four grandchildren.
He confirms that he’ll continue to contribute to the Nine Network coverage.
You’ll enjoy a trip down memory lane with a true master of his trade.
(Banner image - Ray, John and Ken Howard in the Randwick broadcast box early 1970s.)
Another day at the office! Ray on his way to the commentary box for yet another Channel 9 Rugby League telecast.
In the Channel 9 commentary box 1990s.
The race caller in “Rabs” was never far away. He used binoculars extensively during football broadcasts.
He looks like a ‘startled rabbit’ in this one! Was it the shock of backing a winner or was it something I said! - In the Canterbury broadcast box early 70s.