DARREN Jones is being remembered as a highly-successful jockey and much-loved family man.
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Tamworth’s Jones tragically died after a terrible fall at the Warialda Cup meeting on Saturday.
Tributes have since flowed for the 48-year-old, who rode more than 800 winners during his long career, building a wonderful affinity with grand galloper All Again.
Originally from Glen Innes, Jones moved to Tamworth in the mid-1980s at the age of 16 as an apprentice to Merv Corliss.
Jones went on to work closely with Corliss’ daughter, Lesley Jeffries, who he teamed up with Lonely Orphan to claim second in Friday’s Orange Cup.
“He was a good young fella, good family man and a good rider,” Jeffries said on Sunday.
“His work ethic was just enormous.
“He’s ridden a lot of winners in his years as he’s got a bit older.
“He probably didn’t have the same opportunities as other great jockeys but he was as good as any, and a great bloke too.”
Saturday’s meeting was abandoned after race four, with the 2017 Warialda Cup among two races not to run.
Jones fell when aboard favourite Montague Clan in the third event, the horse coming down along with True Commitment (Melanie Bolwell) and Achanizo (Leanne Henry).
The three were taken to Warialda Hospital, with Jones and Bolwell unconscious when transferred, while Henry complained of general soreness. Bolwell suffered bleeding on the brain and is being monitored at Gold Coast Hospital.
Warialda Jockey Club president Pete Caskey said the committee was devastated by the tragedy.
“Darren was a popular jockey in the North West for 30-plus years,” Caskey said on Sunday.
“It’s just a tragic loss. He was a very popular and successful horseman.”
Racing NSW chief executive Peter V’landys said it was a terrible tragedy, and extended his thoughts to Jones’ family and friends.
"It shows how dangerous this sport can be - what has happened here (at Randwick) and at Warialda,” he said.
“This brings you back to reality very quickly and my heart goes out to his family.”
Jones leaves behind wife, Sheridan, and two teenage boys. Jones was expected to ride in Armidale on Monday, where a one-minute silence will be held in his honour.
