Famous horseman dies at Riccaron

Press, Volume CXIV, Issue 33610, 12 August 1974, Page 8

Famous horseman dies at Riccaron

"They’ve asked me to appear in the presentation ceremony after the Grand National Hurdles but I don’t think I’ll handle the going.” quipped Mr F. W. Ellis as he gazed across a muddy birdcage at Riccarton before the first race on Saturday.

Soon after he was Introduced with other old-time horsemen to the crowd after the race Mr Ellis collapsed and died near the weighinc room. Mr Fred Eilis was the eldest member of one of New Zealand’s most famous racing families. While he Used for most of his life in Southland many of his great moments in racing were identified with Riccarton. where: he won the Grand National Hurdles on Kauri King in 1918, and where he saddled two of his stayers. Excellency and Royal, Lancer, to win New Zealand Cups. Not long before he collapsed on Saturday Mr Ellis recalled that he had his first ride in: the Grand National Hurdles in 1»13. “I won’t forge: it in a hurry,”) he told "The Piass.” “The horse was Red Earl, and he broke his neck, and I damaged a leg.” Mr Ellis was then an apprentice to J. Thistleton at Riverton., Laler he moved to Riccarton.. where he was associated with the stable of F. D. Jones, but when he decided to take up training he returned to his native Southland. Successes soon ame his way. Beside* his New Zealand Cup winners Roval Lancer and Excel lencv. he had many important successes with Salmon Spear, silver Peak. Queen Balboa. King Balboa. Tea Party. Cough. Foxglove. Mona's Song, Psalm. Regardless and others The Ellis stable was also the "nurserv” for some notable voung horsemen ’

Fred Ellis’s most famous; apprentice was his younger! brother L. J. (Jim). Others to go to the top as horsemen were Fred Ellis's son.; Wilson, who partnered Royal j Lancer and Excellency in their) New Zealand Cup victories for the stable, and won another) New Zealand Cun on Jamell; and W. J. Hillis, who has been in the top flight of New Zealand, jumping riders for almost 30 years Wilson Ellis has since taken[ :up training at Invercargill. A sister married the successful Gore trainer. E. A. Winsloe. The surviving brothers are A. E. 'Bert) and A S. (Arthur),i both of Christchurch.