Ross Coles retires after more than 60 years in the saddle

The red coat, the grey horse, and a legacy that will be long remembered.

Yesterday marked the end of an era, as Ross Coles – a man whose name has become synonymous with the Clerk of the Course role in New Zealand – officially retired after more than six decades of service to the racing industry.

Ross pictured behind the scenes in the raceday stables at Pukekohe Park on 25 June 2025 – his last day working as a clerk of the course.

Fittingly, Ross signed off at Pukekohe Park, accompanied by his faithful clerk horse of the past 14 years, Mister Grey – now aged 20. It was a low-key farewell in the best possible way: doing what he’s done for over 60 years, leading from the front with quiet pride and unmistakable presence.

Ross’s association with the track began in his teenage years, following in the footsteps of his father, Ray Coles, who was Chief Clerk of the Course for over 35 years at Ellerslie and a driving force behind the tradition of Clerks donning red coats while mounted on grey horses. Ross began clerking at just 16 years old and, over the decades, grew to become not just a familiar face but a deeply respected figure in New Zealand racing circles.

He’s known as a consummate horseman – a trait that’s served him well in the sometimes unpredictable world of raceday operations. With a background as an accomplished show jumper (he represented New Zealand) and a former amateur jockey, Ross brought skill, empathy, and immense professionalism to every meeting he worked. Jockeys and trainers trusted him implicitly; his horses, hand-selected and immaculately trained, were considered “bomb proof.”

Ross and Mister Grey, pictured here in the Birdcage at Pukekohe Park on their last day of ‘work’ on 25 June 2025.

His impact reached beyond the racetrack too. As a former Huntsman of the Pakuranga Hunt and later Chef d’Equipe and team manager for various New Zealand equestrian teams – including the gold-medal-winning World Championship team in Rome and the 2000 Sydney Olympics – Ross’s knowledge and leadership have shaped not only racing but wider equestrian sport in New Zealand.

In 2019, he was recognised with the New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) Service Award, and in 2024, we proudly conferred him with Life Membership – a reflection of the enduring contribution he’s made to both our club and the sport.

Mister Grey and Ross Coles – two firm raceday favourites who will be dearly missed at our upcoming race meetings.

Ross leaves behind not just an empty saddle, but a legacy built on dedication, horsemanship, and tradition. And while he may no longer be out on the track each raceday, his red coat and grey horse will forever be part of the story we tell at Ellerslie and Pukekohe Park.

Thank you for your service, Ross.