Racing: Jumps race renamed for legend Browne

Wheelchair-bound Ken Browne has a 50-year association with Ellerslie racing. File picture

It's going to be a benchmark day for Ken Browne.

This afternoon the Auckland Racing Club will announce the induction of the Cambridge jumps whiz as an Ellerslie legend.

And the wheelchair-bound Browne can make it a very significant moment by winning the Legends of Ellerslie Hurdles with one of his two runners Danz and Poacher.

At this meeting last year the Auckland Racing Club announced the inaugural induction as Ellerslie Legends of Trevor McKee, Dave O'Sullivan, Colin Jillings, Lance O'Sullivan, Norm Holland and David Peake.

Browne's association with Ellerslie spans 50 years.

"Ken is truly a legend of Ellerslie and New Zealand racing," said ARC chief executive Chris Weaver.

"Not only has he been involved in training and riding thoroughbreds, he has also acted as teacher, guide and mentor for hundreds of young people who have gone on and built successful careers in the industry."

During his long career, Browne rode 156 winners over fences, 54 in hurdle races and 102 over the steeplechase courses.

He was champion jumps jockey in 1981 and 1984 and his major wins at Ellerslie, training in partnership with his wife Ann, include the Great Northern Hurdles (3 times), Great Northern Steeplechase (9), McGregor Grant Steeples (7) and Pakuranga Hunt Cup eight times.

The Browne-trained Sydney Jones became the only horse to win the Great Northern, Pakuranga Hunt Cup and McGregor Grant Steeples in the same year.

As a permanent tribute to Browne, the ARC will rename the open hurdles on the Monday of the Queens Birthday the KS Browne Hurdles.