Kingdon Farm studmaster Cliff Ellis, one of the Hunter Valley’s most respected horsemen, has died in Scone.  He was 87.

Ellis was born in Denman and spent nearly 60 years working in the region, principally with Holbrook Stud, Oakleigh Stud and Yarraman Park.

Cliff was associated with numerous top-class horses in that time topped by 13 time Group 1 winning stayer Tie The Knot (Nassipour).  He foaled down the big chestnut and looked after for him several months.

Cliff bred a small number of horses out of his own mares including 1959 Scone Cup winner Johnno (Hua).  He taught at Scone TAFE and served on the committees of the Scone Race Club and Hunter Valley Breeders Association.  He also received the HVBA Service to Industry Award in 1987.

Until 2011, he was a regular at the Scone Horse Festival parade and was VIP at the Scone Horse Week in 1999.

Ellis is survived by his wife Jennifer and son Tim.  The family has been based in the Hunter Valley since 1837 when his great, great grandfather of Thomas Ellis came out from England to manage Arrowfield Stud at Jerrys Plains.