As tough as steak, Sydney Jones became one of New Zealand’s best-performed jumpers of all time and a true crowd favourite at Ellerslie racecourse where he earned himself the tag of King Of The Hill. His wins in the 1995 and 1997 Great Northern Steeplechases at the Ellerslie course typified his true never-say-die approach to racing and his tremendous staying qualities. In the first of these successes he was ridden by Tina Egan and in the second by Brett McDonald.

Incredibly he completed the gruelling 6400m of the Great Northern Steeples on a total of five occasions and also managed a fifth placing in 1998. Sydney Jones is one of the many jumping stars prepared by masters Ken and Ann Browne who have made a huge contribution to the New Zealand racing scene from their Cambridge base and have experienced the highs and lows of racing.

Statistics

1988 bay horse

Sir Sydney-Tua Rangi by Jonathan R

Breeder: B Hofmann

Owners: Ken and Ann Browne

Trainers: Ken and Ann Browne (New Zealand)

Race Record: 81 starts, 12 wins, 5 seconds, 11 thirds

Prize Money: $278,100

Major wins: Great Northern Steeplechase (twice), McGregor Grant Steeplechase (twice), Pakuranga Hunt Cup (twice)