One of the new feature racing events on the Victorian racing landscape was held at Warrnambool last Sunday, the Jericho Cup, with Bairnsdale owned stayer, Highland Blaze running a distance eighth in the 4600 metre marathon.
Highland Blaze was formerly trained by Jackson Pallot, but with him recently retiring from training, the horse is now trained at Warrnambool by former champion jumps jockey, Shane Jackson.
The former Irishman is also preparing former Pallot racing pinup galloper Flying Basil, who graduated from the picnic circuit to winning a midweek city race at Sandown, one of his 10 wins for the the stable.
The 2024 Jericho Cup, which is worth $303,000, the same value as the Warrnambool Cup, is the brainchild of Bill Gibbins who personally funded the event to get it up and running and who has also donated significant sums to veteran remembrance.
Towards the end of World War I, the Australian Lighthorse was planning a major offensive against the Turks.
In order to make their enemy believe nothing was afoot, the Australians planned a race meeting in the deserts of the Middle East as a ruse.
The main race, over three miles, was called the Jericho Cup and won by famed warhorse Bill the Bastard.
His exploits are detailed in the book Bill the Bastard by noted historian Roland Perry.
Under the guidance and assistance, the Warrnambool Racing Club has honoured the historic event by running its own Jericho Cup.
The race a tribute to the Australian Light horsemen and the waler horses they rode.
This year’s event was won by local galloper, Faraz, trained by Aaron Purcell and ridden by Will Gordon.
