“A truly great and gallant thoroughbred who always gave of his best even when circumstances stacked the odds against him” (Roger Crane)

Biography

TRAINER: Clarrie McCarthy

OWNERS: Cyril Neville

RACE RECORD/STAKE MONEY: 27:7-5-6/£39,076

About

A superb New Zealand stayer, Dalray was a star performer on Australian tracks in the early 1950s.

After a dismal start as a two-year-old in New Zealand, Dalray excelled as a three-year-old over the longer distances. In the spring and summer of 1951-52 he proved himself the best of his age in the country by winning the New Zealand Derby, Great Northern Derby, Gloaming Stakes, Trentham Stakes, Autumn Stakes, and New Zealand St Leger.

Brought to Sydney for the 1952 autumn carnival, Dalray had an easy two length win in the Autumn Stakes. Starting equal favourite in the Sydney Cup, he was beaten a head by Opulent, a defeat which most observers blamed on the controversial tactics of his jockey. In September Dalray reappeared in Australia and enjoyed a triumphant season, winning the Colin Stephens Stakes and Metropolitan Handicap in Sydney, and the Mackinnon Stakes and Melbourne Cup in Melbourne.

In March 1953, three days after winning the Queen’s Plate at Flemington, Dalray broke down and was retired. At stud in Queensland he proved a successful sire, his best progeny being the dual Metropolitan winner, Tails.

Image Source: Australian Racing Museum Collection