Vale Terry May

After being involved in harness racing for nearly 75 years, Terry May will be farewelled next week.

The 93-year-old died this week, just over a year after training his last winner, Slyx at Rangiora. It was his 350th overall. 

At the time he said it was "a big thrill" specially as the horse was driven by his son and one of the country's all-time greats in Ricky May and bred by his Ricky's wife Judy.

Born in Methven in 1932, Terry May moved to what is now the May family farm when he was 14. 

"He was there ever since really, his whole life was on that farm," says Ricky.

Terry had his first win as a junior driver with Diamed, trained by his father Clarrie, in 1952!

He stopped driving in the late 1990s with 179 wins, by which time Ricky was already established as one of the country's best. 

Overall as a trainer Terry May had 350 wins, 62 with his father between 1969 and 1975 and 288 on his own account from 1976 - 2026.  

"He was a hard worker alright, he even shod all his own horses ... he always needed a job to do," says May.  

Among Terry's greatest successes were with 18-race winner Palestine. Together they won back-to-back Hannon Memorials in 1976 and 77 and the 1977 Kaikoura Cup. 

"Palestine was the best probably but he had a few that were good horses, just under that top level," says Ricky.

They included Pure Adrenalin (11 wins) and Spring Alot (9 wins).

Records also show he bred 15 horses between 1977-86, including seven race winner Continu. 

In the 1980s-90s the May stables were clearly a busy place, with Terry the official trainer and Ricky the go-to driver. 

"We had 18 in work at one stage and won two Group 1s in one year," says Ricky.

They were with Frangelico and Some Legacy, both at Addington in 1990.

Away from racing Terry May was also "mad on rugby and loved the Crusaders".

"He was captain at Methven - and played from 1947 to 52 as hooker," says Ricky.  

The Mays are one of the great harness racing families. 

Clarrie's successes included training and driving 1946 Auckland Cup winner Loyal Nurse, and Terry and his brothers Leo and Clive followed suit before Ricky became the third generation of Mays to get involved in the sport.
 
With 3209 wins (including seven New Zealand Cups) he is the third most successful driver in this country ever, behind Tony Herlihy and Maurice McKendry. 

On Sunday at Addington Ricky May will take over from his father as the official trainer of Blu Diamond in Race 3, the Touchdown Car Rentals Pace (1.24pm).
It will be his first official start as a trainer. 

HRNZ would like to send its condolences to the May family and recognise Terry's huge contribution to the sport.  

Terry May's funeral will be held on Monday, June 29 at 11am at the Presbyterian Church in Methven.