Ray Thomas: Kerry Packer, Racing Legends & Spring Carnival Insights | Who’s the Boss?

What happens when the man who’s spent decades telling racing’s biggest stories takes the hot seat? Legendary racing journalist Ray Thomas joins Adam Peacock and Glen Boss on Who’s the Boss? to share extraordinary yarns from more than 30 years covering the sport. From a Kerry Packer betting scoop that nearly cost him his job to behind-the-scenes memories of Makybe Diva, TJ Smith and Gai Waterhouse, Ray lifts the lid on racing’s greatest characters and his long friendship with Bossy.

The boys also talk champions, comparing Kingston Town, Black Caviar and Winx, before turning their attention to a spring carnival heating up fast. Bossy gives his verdict on Ka Ying Rising’s Sydney trial ahead of The Everest, explains why he’s sticking with Sir Delius for the Cox Plate, and delivers Bossy’s Best for a huge Group 1 weekend at Caulfield. Settle in for great stories, plenty of laughs and racing insight from those who’ve lived it—and don’t forget to like and subscribe.

0:00 Intro and welcome

2:11 Ray Thomas joins the boys

4:52 Trust, respect and life as a racing journalist

8:43 Jack Denham stories

10:48 Untold stories and Universal Prince’s Melbourne Cup scratching

13:57 The Kerry Packer scoop that nearly cost Ray his job

19:23 Memories of TJ Smith and Gai Waterhouse

23:49 Ray and Bossy’s long friendship

27:31 Behind the scenes with Makybe Diva

32:08 The toughest stories to write