Ex-jockey dead at 55

FORMER jockey Steve Jeffries has died three weeks after being diagnosed with liver and pancreatic cancer, aged 55.

Jeffries was a champion apprentice in Sydney under trainer Mal Barnes and won 14 Group and Listed races with the highlight the 1988 Group 1 Canterbury Guineas on High Regard.

His race riding career was halted after 15 years because of his battle with weight.

He then concentrated on being a trackwork rider, mainly for Ron Quinton, and was a popular figure at Randwick.

Funeral details have yet to be announced.