Solna Thomson Jones, owner of Alverton, dies aged 90

Solna Thomson Jones, who as co-owner of Snailwell Stud won the 1979 Cheltenham Gold Cup with Alverton, has died after a short illness. She was 90.

Thomson Jones, who was previously married to Harry Thomson Jones, generally known as Tom Jones, celebrated her 90th birthday in February at a party attended by many of Newmarket's leading racing figures.

The daughter of Stanhope Joel, whose best horse Busted won the Eclipse and King George in 1967, Thomson Jones was extensively involved with racing as an owner and wife of a leading Newmarket trainer.

When her father died in 1976, she took over ownership of Snailwell Stud in Newmarket, with sister Dana Brudenell-Bruce, enjoying a string of jumps successes.

Snailwell Stud finished champion owner over jumps in 1978-79, thanks mainly to Alverton's Gold Cup win, and also owned No Bombs who gained his biggest win in the 1980 Royal Doulton Hurdle – like Alverton, trained by Peter Easterby.

The best horse to run for the stud on the Flat was Circus Ring, trained by Sir Michael Stoute, who was the champion two-year-old filly of 1981 after winning the Lowther Stakes. Another filly, Opale, won the 1984 Irish St Leger, trained by Alec Stewart.

Solna Thomson Jones owned Pukka Major in her own name when he won the 1989 Grand Annual Chase at Cheltenham, trained by her son Tim Thomson Jones. Her daughter Di Haine also enjoyed festival success as a trainer.

She had four grandchildren, Wolfie and Tom, sons of Tim Thomson Jones, and Haine's children George and Penny, who has three boys Tighe, Rufus and William.

The funeral will be held on Thursday, May 17, at 2pm at Snailwell Church. Family flowers only with donations to the Brooke, Wood Green animal shelter and the Animal Health Trust.

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