TJC general manager Kay Jeffrey said well in excess of $100,000 was raised for the family of the late Tamworth jockey Darren Jones, who died following a race fall at Warialda in April.

The appeal’s main element was a dinner at the TJC on Thursday night that featured an auction with 102 lots, including Winx memorabilia, and attracted some 400 people. 

The super mare’s jockey, Hugh Bowman, was a guest speaker on the night, playing the straight man to retired jockey great Malcolm Johnston’s wisecracker in a well-received double act.

Jeffrey said: “To be honest with you, we weren’t sure what support we were going to get on the night … But the generosity of everyone involved on the night was just amazing.”

She added: “She [Jones’ widow Sheridan] couldn’t believe everyone wanted to do this for her and her boys.”

Sheridan and the couple’s teenage sons, Will and Jacob, who both have disabilities, were in attendance.

Sheridan spoke of being “overwhelmed” by the public support given to her family.

“It’s not easy to comprehend or reconcile the kindness,” she told the audience.

“And it’s not easy for me, I suppose, to understand and accept the generosity of so many. 

“But I suppose what it all boils down to was we either loved or respected Darren, or perhaps both.”

Bowman arrived in Tamworth after riding Winx to her thrilling Warwick Stakes win at Royal Randwick last Saturday – her 18th straight victory.

He said: “For me personally, I’m honoured that I can be here to represent the jockeys of NSW and Australia in support of Darren’s family … It’s a widespread understanding of the dangers that jockeys endure, and this is a reality of what can happen.”