One of New Zealand jumps racing's traditional days will be held under a cloud of sorrow at Hastings today after the death of respected horseman Toby Autridge.
The 60-year-old died in hospital yesterday just two days after having a stroke, having endured pain and intensive medication since breaking his neck in a race fall in 1999.
That never stopped him training after a wonderful riding career highlighted by the incredible story of riding Dandeleith to second in the 1978 Melbourne Cup when he was just 16 years old.
"I reckon he had only ridden about 15 winners at that stage, but the horse's owner wanted him on, so over he went," remembers brother and fellow outstanding horseman Stephen.
"He was always a good jockey and rode over 800 winners in five or six different countries.