Priscilla’s strapping passion

– Brad Kingsbury
TO a lot of people, Cranbourne Cup Day is all about the glitz and glamour of the racing and the fashion.
But the work that goes into getting horses ready for their chance to shine is done by many diligent and committed people, led by the trainers and their hard-working strappers.
One such stable is that of popular and well-respected trainer Ray Cleaver, whose operation is the perfect example of the effort that goes into successfully preparing a small team of thoroughbreds.
Ray has an equally dedicated team of assistants led by strapper Priscilla Lucas, who are always on hand to do the jobs that nobody in the members bar would consider, but that are vital to the operation of his business.
Priscilla does her job with a smile too and is happy to talk about her work… as she does it of course.
“I use the broom and the shovel and do whatever’s required. I love it really,” she said as she saddled one of Ray’s promising steeds Diggers And Dealers prior to his trackwork session.
“It’s a good stable. Ray’s only got a small team but he’s got lovely stock and trains them so well.
“He’s got 13 or 14 (in work) and that’s about full capacity for Ray. I’ve known Ray for umpteen years after, but I’ve been with him (working) for the last two years.”
Priscilla, like most of those involved in stable life, accepts that the work has to be done whether it’s 3.30am on a cold, dark morning or 2.30pm in the mounting yard on raceday and doesn’t make a big deal of it.
In fact she prefers to talk about the horses than herself and quickly focussed back on Diggers And Dealers.
“If he had two legs he’d be a lady killer,” she laughed as she brushed his mane. He’s lovely to ride and the girls love him. The horses are what makes it all so enjoyable.”