Expat New Zealand jockey Chris Brown passed away on Saturday in Victoria after a short illness.

The 47-year-old was apprenticed to Melbourne Cup-winning trainer Snowy Lupton in New Zealand before moving to Australia to work for a number of high-profile trainers including Gai Waterhouse, Graeme Rogerson, David Hayes, Peter Moody, Sheila Laxon and the late Ross McDonald.

"Chris dedicated his entire working life to racing,” Victorian Jockeys' Association executive officer Matt Hyland said.

“Our rider group are deeply saddened at the news of Chris' passing and will miss him and the significant contribution he made to our industry."