Ray Scott ‘s time to relax and enjoy the last of his breed
By Duane Ranger
The younger half-brother of the best horse that retired South Canterbury farmer Ray Scott has bred, won for the sixth time at Ascot Park recently (April 29).
The Brad Williamson trained and Kerryn Tomlinson driven Domination’s Call proved far too good in the first event – the Creation Signs R46-R50 Pace. He has now racked up $56,999 for his St Andrews based breeders – Ray and Joan Scott.
Domination’s Call winning at Ascot Park
Domination’s Call, a 5-year-old black Trixton gelding, is the last of five foals out of the 2002 Sundon – Syndication – Green Pastures 10-win ($92,273) mare, Domination.
Her third foal, Rydgemont Son (2014 Majestic Son gelding) is the best horse that Scott has bred since he got involved in harness racing just over four decades ago.
“He’s probably the best. He won seven races here ($70,590) and then several more in the United States where he recorded a 1:54.4 mile. The whole family have been good, and you can put it down to the broodmare, Domination” Scott said.
“She has now had 10, 14, seven and now six winners from her four horses to the races,” he added.
Scott loved the way Domination’s Call sat back, and then just blew past them like they were standing still in the straight.
“I just love this horse. He’s actually the last horse I’ve bred, but I still have interests in some others. He is more than a racehorse to Joan and I, because he was brought up on our farm and was one of the family really.
“He was very good to people, and even though he has the most wonderful temperament, Brad still tells me he’s the boss of the horses down there in Oamaru.
“Domination’s Call was brought up around people and is a very personable lovely black gelding. He is only five and I think he can win one or two more yet. He has good manners and possesses a great sprint,” Scott said.
Relaxing after his tough win
“That was a gutsy win. The horse is a credit to Brad and his family. It was also a very good drive from Kerryn. I’m really going to enjoy him in my retirement,” added Scott who only retired from a lifetime of farming two years ago.
Domination’s first foal, the 2011 Monarch mare, Rydgemont Milly was also better than average winning 10 races and $80,563. She has left the Shirley family a Yearling Majestic Son colt and a Majestic Son weanling filly. The mare is in foal to What The Hill.
“Her second foal, The Dominator (2013 The Pres gelding) won more than $200,000, including The Green Mile at Methven in 2020,” Scott added.
Domination then missed three times before leaving The Dominator in 2013, and then Rydgemont Son (by Majestic Son) in 2014.
“Domination’s fourth and second last – foal Flying Hillary (2015 Muscle Hill mare), never made it to the races but has left Oamaru’s Bev Williamson two foals.
“They are a Majestic Son yearling filly and a Creatine weanling colt. The Wiiliamsons bought Flying Hillary off the Scotts as a broodmare. Dominator’s Call came next in September 28, 2017,” Scott said.
Scott said Domination had to be put down in 2017 after being kicked by another horse.
“That was devastating because she was a nice racehorse as well winning 10 races ($92,273) and then went on to be a lovely broodmare.
“Domination was the third of nine foals out of the 1989 Greener Pastures eight-win mare, Syndication. I bought into the family through Murray Tapper when Domination was a 5-year-old.
“We retired Domination in early 2011 and put her to Monarchy and Ridgemont Milly was born later that year.”
Scott has lived in St Andrews all of his life. He was educated at St Pats High School in Timaru but left for the farm when he was 14. He later went shearing before buying his own farm in his late 20s.
“I’ve always loved harness racing, but only really started to involve myself in it about 40 years ago when I had horses with Denise Ottley and started out with the Rashad breed.
“I’m 83 now and just want to sit back and enjoy the racing. My breeding days are behind me. The Williamsons are still breeding from the family which pleases me,” Scott said.
He said ‘Rydgemont’ was the name of his family farm.
For the record…Greener Pastures (1980 Abercrombie – Bret’s Meadow – Bret Hanover stallion), who is Domination’s Call’s great-grandfather, had a pacing Dad and a trotting Mum.
