The Warrnambool Racing Club is set to host the inaugural $300,000 Haymes Paint Jericho Cup on Sunday 2nd December in honour of the heroic servicemen and their magnificent mounts, The Walers, for their heroic deeds in the Middle East from 1915-1919 . This special race day commemorates the 100 year anniversary of The Jericho Cup and will be run as a 4,600m flat race across the Brierly Paddock.
The distance of the Warrnambool race is the same as that of the original race in Palestine, just outside the city of Jericho, in 1918.
The 2018 event is the brainchild of Victorian philanthropist Bill Gibbins. Gibbins is sponsoring the race through the WRC.
“Australia has a proud war history and any event that positively promotes the involvement of the ANZAC soldiers and their horses during battle - we are only too happy to support,” WRC chief executive Peter Downs said.
The race day looks forward to welcoming Return Veterans and their families and friends and will feature historic displays and free children’s activities. A large memorabilia tent showcasing treasured items from the Australian Light Horse and Battle of Beersheba during the first World War. The club is inviting anyone that has items they would like to display and share with patrons on the day to contact the club.
Free entry is offered to DVA Gold Card Holders and children (under 18 years), with free car parking available in Albert Park Reserve. There are a number of different hospitality options available to both Warrnambool Racing Club members and the public, with a dedicated Return Veteran’s Marquee offering an all-inclusive 3-course luncheon for DVA Gold Card Holders and their guests.
In partnership with the Victorian State Government, Country Racing Victoria and RSL Victorian Branch, the club is selling commemorative Jericho Cup pins, with all proceeds donated to the RSL Victoria Branch with the aim to raise $15,000 through this initiative. Businesses and individuals are welcome to purchase a box to sell or purchase individual pins in support of this fundraising event. The boxes are $150 each and include 10 x Gold Pins ($10 each) and 10 x Silver Pins ($5 each) and details of where to purchase pins are available on the club’s website.
For further information, please visit the following websites:
Qualifying and current points tally: http://www.thejerichocup.com.au
Race day information, tickets and packages:
https://country.racing.com/warrnambool/racing/the-jericho-cup
