OTI is delighted to be promoting The Jericho Cup this weekend at Warrnambool Racecourse, Sunday December 2. Hosting a marquee in conjunction with the Old Baradians Football Club within the bookies area, we are pleased to see the race revived in its centenary year.
Terry Henderson is an ambassador of the race and is looking forward to being a part of the new initiative. “Any Australian who read the book ‘Bill the Bastard’ could not help be touched by our forefathers wish to keep the Melbourne Cup tradition alive, even though they were fighting for their lives in unhospitable Jericho. It is a fantastic that the through the kindness of Bill Gibbons, we’ll now see a renewal of their race.”
Held 100 years after the ANZACs involvement in World War I, the $300,000 race over three miles (4,600m approx.) replicates that of the great horse race amongst soldiers in Palestine.
Approaching the end of the First World War, the Australian Light Horse brigade were preparing a major offensive attack against the Turkish Empire. In order to lull the enemy into believing nothing unusual was happening, a race meeting was organised on the eve of the assault.
The soldiers gathered outside Jericho, therefore dubbing the race The Jericho Cup and raced amongst the desert sands. The race was famously won by a horse called ‘Bill the Bastard’. His exploits are detailed in the book aptly named ‘Bill the Bastard’ written by noted historian, Professor Roland Perry.
The Warrnambool race was inspired by history philanthropist Bill Gibbons, who is contributing a majority of the funds for the event in 2018 and hopes with the support of Racing Victoria, it will become an annual fixture.
Australia is very proud of their war history and their soldier’s and Waler horses contributions to battle. The race honours a significant event in Australia’s war past and only horses conceived and born in either Australia or New Zealand are eligible for the race. A point system determines which horses qualify for the race and we look forward to having eligible horses in years to come.
The best of luck to those involved for the 2018 edition!
