RAYMOND JOHN COOMBES

 

Date of Birth: 23 September 1939

Town where born: Brunswick, Victoria.

How did you get into racing? A friend of mine had racehorses and I started to take him to the races.

First Winner/Track (flat and jumper): Esteemed / Pakenham (flat)

Favourite Track (and why): Moonee Valley. I have won two Waterford Crystal races.

Best thing about being a jumps trainer: The horses and the people you meet.

Worst thing about being a jumps trainer: Not having a good horse.

Best jumper you’ve trained: Trilowe and Kosrose.

What is the best jumper you would have loved to have trained: Zabenz.

Who is the best jumping rider you have seen? Craig Durden and Brett Scott.

What is the best race you have witnessed? Australian Steeeple (2000).

What is your best win on the flat? Any city winner.

Outside of racing what are you most passionate about? My family, health and life in general.

What is your training career goals? To be as successful as possible.

What is the strangest (amusing or serious) experience you've ever had in racing?
Being seated watching Kosrose win the Australian Steeple and not being able to stand up for some time after.