There are now many documented examples through history of successful thoroughbred trainers who have been very successful initially as Harness horse trainer/drivers. The most recent and obvious person to have identified themselves through this background and then going on to be a trainer at the top level is Fred Kersley, of Northerly fame.

Ray Mathews has been a Harness racing Trainer/Driver since 1978, turning professional in 1987, he has trained over 500 winners at a strike rate of 51% place getters to starters with numerous Group1 victories and 5 Victorian Trainer premierships, the last one being in 1998.

The knowledge and experience gained during these years have created an ideal platform for the move into the training of thoroughbreds. Since 2003 Ray has been concentrating on building up a stable of capable horses and a client base that will enable him to meet his objectives.

Ray has a very strong philosophy on keeping horses in the most natural environment as possible, so most horses spend more time in paddocks and not stables, this keeps horses much more enthusiastic for their work and maintains the animals social structures that are important to keep them relaxed and less stressed

Currently with 10 horses in work including the very promising Testa Rosa 3.y.o, Testatude and several exciting 2.y.o by Rubiton, Centaine and King Charlemagne the future is an exciting one.