The legendary chaser Hunterville would write himself into the record books with three consecutive victories in one of the toughest races in the world

HUNTERVILLE demonstrated exceptional endurance as a robust steeplechaser, securing a historic achievement as the first horse to win the Great Northern Steeplechase three times consecutively. Hunterville possessed remarkable reserves of strength and stamina, which he effectively utilised to drive him on while others faltered. Notably, the gelding stood at an impressive 17.1 hands high. Popular Huntsman Ron Cropp trained the horse, and his daughter, Lisa Cropp - who would later become a successful jockey - had her initial experience at Ellerslie by leading the horse onto the track at the age of 11. Grandson Matthew Cropp would follow in his footsteps as a huntsman and became a fine jumps jockey himself.

HUNTERVILLE was a beast of a horse and his size gave him the ability to outstay the opposition over the long endurance distances, often finding that extra kick with his long, relentless stride and effortless jumping technique. He was big, and regular jockey Denis Gray stated once - he wasn't the best of jumpers or the best of stayers, but what he possessed in spades was an enormous heart and a will to win. Trainer Ron Cropp was the huntsman for Waikato and various other places and a showjumping expert. He was an amazing horseman who was able to bring out the best in his giant chaser which led to unrivaled success.

Hunterville, who cost owner Doug MacKenzie only $1000 (as a horse he himself bred), became the first jumper in New Zealand racing history to attain three consecutive wins in one of the world’s toughest and most gruelling tests of horse and jockey - the Great Northern Steeplechase. He was by the sire TREASON TRIAL, with his dam WEDDING RING (Blueskin II). Treason Trial was sired by High Treason (IRE). His dam was Verbena (GB). All 34 starts bar one were in steeplechase races from early beginnings in August 1981. His first victory would come at Ellerslie over 4150m in September of that year. In his first Great Northern attempt in 1982, Hunterville would finish 2nd to MOUNTAIN GOLD by two lengths.

HUNTERVILLE would win two more at Ellerslie in 1982 and Paeroa in May of 1983. The Great Northern Steeplechase was always considered a spectacule of epic proportions at Ellerslie, and in 1983, the highlight was provided by the big bay chaser HUNTERVILLE. Coming down the hill the last time, SPARKLING BREW was leading LADY EDWINA with Hunterville building up steam and right in behind them full of running. In a three horse war Hunterville would wear them both down on the inside to claim his first Northern title ahead of HEADFORD. Incidentally, ORCA would fall at the last and their final battle anong others would be the stuff of legends.

HUNTERVILLE would defeat ORCA at Ellerslie a week later over 4900m in his first McGregor Grant victory and after a 2nd to KIRRA SON at Paeroa he would compete in a 2000m flat maiden at New Plymouth - the only time he never faced an obstacle. Returning in April of 1984, Hunterville would finish 5th in his first run back before winning over 4000m at the Poverty Bay Turf Club and a sound 3rd behind JEAN RAPIER at Paeroa. In 1984 Hunterville would repeat his Northern victory of 12 months earlier. Saving ground on the inside Hunterville would come between DULICO and CIVIL RIGHTS to jump the last in superb fashion and take the lead. Once the giant gelding had his nose in front there was no stopping him, winning by just over a length from the gallant DULICO.

Civil Rights and Resolution would get the better of him in the McGregor Grant the following weekend, and he jumped poorly in the Wellington Steeplechase finishing second last. The four runs back leading into the 1984 Northern certainly didn't inspire much confidence, with two 4th placings following the same path. However, this was the warhorse Hunterville, and the challenging four-mile Ellerslie steeplechase course complete with its formidable hill, was where he truly excelled.

Hunterville subsequently secured a place in the record books with his third consecutive triumph in the 1985 Great Northern Steeplechase (6400m). During the final ascent of the hill, HEX maintained the lead over ORCA, while Hunterville was south of midfield, trailing the leaders by twelve lengths. HUNTERVILLE v ORCA was always going to be a great race watch and with the passing of Doug MacKenzie ten days beforehand, Dennis Gray was determined to give him every chance. However, the condition of the Good track presented a significant challenge, as Gray anticipated that the firm ground might lead to an excessively fast pace and possibly too quick for his mounts capabilities.

As they neared the fence at the base of the hill during the concluding round of three, Hunterville executed a remarkable leap, akin to a stag, positioning himself alongside the leading four competitors as he accelerated into his highest gear skillfully navigating the corner. In the final stages, IMA JASON and HUNTERVILLE made contact, causing a slight delay in the latter's jump. ORCA successfully cleared the last obstacle without incident, while RESOLUTION advanced powerfully along the inside, presenting a formidable challenge.

As the two main contenders approached the finish line, Hunterville and Orca prepared for a significant head-to-head battle. However, Hunterville maintained his powerful stride, ultimately securing victory and narrowly surpassing Orca at the wire. In the third of these victories, Hunterville carried 66.5kg (9kg over minimum) under the number one saddlecoth to a widely celebrated win in a race featuring a prize purse of $120,000. Spectators were thoroughly impressed by his remarkable stamina, resilience and strength of character, culminating in a magnificent finish and wild celebrations.

HUNTERVILLE concluded his racing career with a magnificent victory in the 1985 McGregor Grant Steeples at Ellerslie, marking his seventh win on the Auckland Racing Club's distinctive steeplechase course and its renowned hill. He successfully navigated 193 fences and covered a cumulative distance of 72 kilometres over his career at Ellerslie. However, at one point, the outcome appeared uncertain. After drifting five lengths behind at the top of the hill, Hunterville stumbled upon landing at the final obstacle at the bottom of the hill, momentarily losing balance and dipping his nose into the turf before quickly recovering and resuming the race with a renewed vigor. A flawless jump over the last fence secured the victory, allowing the exceptional chaser to conclude a distinguished career with a resounding triumph.

Top amateur steeplechase rider Denis Gray, who won all three Great Northern Steeplechase's on Hunterville was paralysed from the neck down when riding GO NOBLE in the 1993 Waikato Steeplechase. He passed away in 1999. He was a tremendous rider even with the amateur status tag and Denis also was an accomplished show rider around the ring with many ribbons. Denis triumphed at Aintree in 1990 aboard LEAN AR AGHAIDH when winning the Seagram Foxhunters'. All told, he won 21 amateur races on his regular spring trips to England, which he had first visited in 1977.

HUNTERVILLE was named New Zealand horse of the year for the 1984/85 season. For a quarter of a century, Hunterville stood alone as the sole three-time consecutive winner of the Great Northern Steeplechase until the champion jumper HYPNOTIZE matched the three-victory feat in 2010. HUNTERVILLE stands among the legends of the equine jumping world and his name conjures up memories of a giant of the sport who never knew when to give up.

RACE RECORD - 34: 9-3-5

PRIZE MONEY - NZ$203,245

Great Northern Steeplechase (3 times)

McGregor Grant Steeplechase (2 times)