A Man Of Service
Ray Holloway commenced employment with the WA Trotting Association on 28 February 1972, as Secretary of the Association. His role included promotions and he was instrumental in organising one of the first charity race meetings at Gloucester Park, raising over $33,000 for the St. John’s Ambulance Appeal.
Holloway oversaw the introduction of the revitalised Western Australian Summer Carnival which now features the WA Pacing Cup, Australian Pacing Championship and Fremantle Pacing Cup. He was responsible for the successful introduction of the Australian Young Drivers Championship and the inauguration of the Australian Pacing Derby, which brought the best three year old pacers to Perth.
Following the inauguration of the Golden Nugget Championship for four year old pacers, Holloway travelled to the eastern states each year. He subsequently lifted the profile of the WA Summer Carnival with new races such as the Australian Derby and attracting eastern states’ stars such as Hondo Grattan, Paleface Adios, Popular Alm, Rip Van Winkle and Gammalite.
A keen promoter of racing and media coverage for Gloucester Park, Holloway organised an Interstate Driver’s Challenge in 1973 and assisted in the conduct of the World Driver’s Championship in 1979. He then filled the role of WATA Racing Manager from 1978 until his retirement in 1991. Although retired, Holloway continued to serve the Western Australia Trotting Association as a committee member for more than 11 years. When he retired from the committee in March 2003, it marked the 56th anniversary of his commencement of service in the harness racing industry.
Royal Visits
Ray Holloway arranged three Royal Visits to Gloucester Park:
1. Princess Margaret and Lord Snowden in 1972
2. The Duke of Edinburgh in 1974
3. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh in 1977.