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, powerful stride and effortless jumping technique. He was big and regular jockey Dennis 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 the dam WEDDING RING (Blueskin II). Treason Trial was sired by High Treason (IRE). His dam was Verbena (GB).

The Great Northern Steeplechase was always considered a spectacule of epic proportions at Ellerslie and in 1983, at seasons end, the highlight was provided by HUNTERVILLE. Coming down the hill the last time SPARKLING BLUE was leading LADY EDWINA with the big chestnut 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. Incidentally, ORCA would fall at the last and their furure battles would be stuff of legends.

In 1984 Hunterville would repeat his Northern victory of 12 months earlier. Hunterville would save ground on the inside to come between JALECO and CIVIL RIGHTS to jump the last in superb fashion and take the lead. But once the giant gelding had his nose in front there was no stopping him, winning by just over a length from the gallant Jaleco.

Hunterville subsequently secured a place in the record books with his third consecutive triumph in the 1985 Great Northern Steeplechase. 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 horses 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 under the number one saddlecoth to a widely celebrated win in a race featuring a prize purse of $120,000.

HUNTERVILLE concluded his racing career with a remarkable 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 falling 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 Dennis 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 Dennis also was an accomplished show rider around the ring with many ribbons. 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.

RACE RECORD - 34: 9-3-5

PRIZE MONEY - NZ$203,245

Great Northern Steeplechase (3 times),

McGregor Grant Steeplechase (2 times)