For the second year, NZB Airfreight is pleased to announce the sponsorship of the qualifying heats for Australia’s longest flat race, the annual Jericho Cup (4600m).
The 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 Group One Melbourne Cup (3200m).
The Road To Jericho heats will be held on Saturday 26 September (3210m) at New Plymouth Raceway and Saturday 24 October (3000m) at Riccarton Park, with each winner receiving a guaranteed start to compete in the 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 staying event.
NZB Airfreight Manager Greg Northcott is excited about the association and opportunity to assist connections of the winning horses.
“We are thrilled to support these two qualifying races in the lead up to the Cup and wish all the connections the best of luck as they target this unique and special race.”
2020 marks the first year that New Zealand will have two guaranteed starters for the AU$304,000 Jericho Cup held on Sunday 29 November 2020 at Warrnambool Racecourse.
Last year Aigne (NZ) (Sufficient) qualified for the Cup by winning the Road to Jericho Handicap (3210m) in New Plymouth. The gelding put on a solid performance to finish third in the 2019 edition of the race.
Enriched with history, the race was originally run in 1918 over three miles through desert sands and celebrated its 100th anniversary two years ago.
