Respected 'Cowboy' honoured in the Central West

By Jordan Gerrans

It is most certainly not every day that a Queensland thoroughbred trainer is celebrated with a life-sized bronze statue, but revered Winton horseman Ray Hermann admits to being incredibly humbled by the honour.

The veteran trainer prepares seven gallopers from his Winton base and had three runners face the judge on Saturday on Longreach’s Cup day program.

The 66-year-old has two more from his barn entered for Richmond’s non-TAB meeting on Saturday before planning to head to Cloncurry and Blackall in the coming weeks.

The newly minted bronze statue honours Hermann as one of the world’s best saddle bronc riders whose career put Winton on the world rodeo stage.

Hermann won his first Saddle Bronc World Title in 1978 at just 19 years of age before he went on to claim a second in 1981.

He secured seven Australian Saddle Bronc titles between 1980 and 1987.

The statue is based on Darryl Doyle’s iconic 1985 photograph of Hermann riding Gill Bros’ ‘Brock’ at Dingo in Queensland and was brought to life by sculptors Tom and Travis Tischler, featuring Hermann’s original riding gear.

“It feels good,” Hermann said just days after the statue was unveiled in the Central West town. 

“I have been a bit humbled because nothing really ever went to my head. It is a very good thing to happen, not just for me but the town.

“It is a big achievement – it is very good.”

Winton Shire Council Mayor Cathy White said the unveiling was a proud and emotional moment for the town.

"Ray’s achievements are legendary, but what makes him so special is his deep connection to Winton and the way he’s carried our community spirit with him throughout his career," White said. 

“This statue is more than a tribute to his skill – it’s a celebration of the grit, determination and heart that defines the Outback.

“The Winton Whiz, as he is known, showed the world what a boy from the bush can do and we are thrilled to see his story cast in bronze for generations to admire.

“Ray still lives in his hometown, remaining a beloved figure in the community and an inspiration for young people across the Outback.”

The Winton Shire Council and the Diamantina Rodeo and Campdraft Association officially unveiled the statue during the Outback Festival late last month.

In more recent years following his riding career, Hermann has focused his attention on training racehorses.

The Winton mentor is widely known as ‘Cowboy’ within the racing industry.

He was last in the winner’s circle when Wolf Point scored at Longreach in early August.

The experienced conditioner is set to make the trip north to Richmond Turf Club on Saturday with Summer Sizzling nominated for the QTIS Class 3 Plate over 1400 metres while stablemate Oligarchy is in the Ratings Band 0 - 55 Handicap over 1200 metres. 

The two gallopers have only recently transferred back to Hermann’s stable after a stint with popular Longreach horseman Mark Oates.

“They are going good again,” Hermann said of Oligarchy and Summer Sizzling.

“They like the way we train because we let our horses out and poke around together outside in a big paddock.

“They go out for hour or so every afternoon, they enjoy that.”

Ocean Emperor and Wolf Point were the best of Hermann’s runners at Longreach on Saturday as they were both not beaten by far.

He believes Ocean Emperor – who is a 10-time career winner – is ready to step up in trip when he heads to Blackall later this month. 

The Blackall Cup will be run over 1400 metres and doubles as a Country Cups Challenge qualifier. 

“We only just got him back and I think we will jump him up to 1400 metres,” he said.

“He was coming home hard the other day over 1200 metres at Longreach; it was a good run because he has not been up long.”

Holey Gadoley and Bollente are arguably the two greatest gallopers Hermann has prepared in his time in the industry as both horses ticked past 10 career victories.