NZB Airfreight Road to Jericho Marks Return to Trans-Tasman Rivalry

After two years of logistical restraints due to COVID-19 travel restrictions, the dream of trans-Tasman competition in the Jericho Cup (4600m) is alive again – and Saturday’s $30,000 NZB Airfreight Road to Jericho (3210m) at New Plymouth is a crucial step along that road. 

Saturday’s race is the first of two qualifying heats staged in New Zealand, with the second heat to be held over 3000m at Riccarton Park on October 22. 

The winner of each race receives a guaranteed start in the Jericho Cup. As sponsors, NZB Airfreight will offer a $5,000 equine airfreight credit for the winner of each qualifying race, should they decide to travel across the Tasman and contest the Jericho Cup. 

Inaugurated in 2018, the A$300,000 Jericho Cup is open to Australian and New Zealand-bred horses only, commemorating the light horse involvement in World War I and run on the fourth Sunday after the Gr.1 Melbourne Cup (3200m). 

The original Jericho Cup was run in 1918 over three miles through desert sands. Its 100th anniversary was marked with the introduction of the modern Jericho Cup four years ago. 

The New Zealand influence on the Jericho Cup has quickly taken hold, with the first three winners all bred on this side of the Tasman – High Mode, Ablaze and Count Zero. 

But there has not yet been a New Zealand-trained winner, and the pandemic prevented any Kiwi involvement in both 2020 and 2021. 

It might be a different story in 2022, and a capacity field of talented stayers will do battle at New Plymouth on Saturday to keep their Jericho Cup dreams alive. 

The NZB Airfreight Road to Jericho will be run as the eighth and final race on Saturday’s New Plymouth card, with a start time of 4:48pm.

Fundraiser finale for Ellie Stokes

A number of unique and collectable items will be up for auction at The Ellie Stokes Trust Fundraising Dinner on Thursday 22 September 2022.

The Dinner features six-time super rugby winning coach Scott Robertson as guest speaker.

The Ellie Stokes Trust Fundraising dinner will be held at The Show Gate, Riccarton Park Racecourse starting at 6:30pm and running to 11pm.  

Leading the auction items will be the racing plates worn by Tallyho Twinkletoe when winning the 2021 NZ Grand National Steeplechase. In doing so he became the only horse to win all four of the Australasian Grand National Steeplechase and Hurdle races. This is a unique and never to be repeated item with a letter of authenticity from part owner Jo Rathbone.

Also on offer is a photo montage of the very first winning treble trained by leading Sydney trainer Chris Waller. Achieved on New Zealand Cup Day 1998 the montage is signed by the then Foxton based Chris and the jockeys who rode the winners.

Other items include:

• Ian Kirkpatrick’s jersey with his signatured team of Legends.  A one off that commands serious appeal to a sporting purist.
• Christchurch Casino package valued at $800.
• Mediaworks Radio Package valued at $3,000.
• Anglers Arms voucher to the value of $500.
• Sothys Gifts to the value of $690.
• Vast Billboards voucher to the value of $3,600.
• Service to HIGHLY RECOMMENDED donated by Berkley Stud.
• 1996 South African limited edition rugby jersey number 7 of 100 is a special piece of memorabilia.
• Signed Michael Walker riding silks.
• Garden Sculpture valued at $850 donated by Alister and Leanne McNeill.

Other auction items and fundraising activities will take place in both a live and silent format. Anyone wishing to bid by phone can contact Trustee Tim Mills on 0274 300 208 prior to the night to make arrangements.

Tickets for the fundraising dinner cost $130pp (includes buffet dinner and beverage package and $50 contribution to the Trust) or $1,040 for a table of eight.