NZB Airfreight Sponsor Road to Jericho Qualifiers

Media Release - Friday July 3

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.

Advertisement

“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.

Advertisment
More Reading...
Debut 2YO Winner for Brutal
Fresh from siring a smart metro winner at Sandown on Wednesday in Brutalina, Brutal was in the frame at Scone on Friday where Brett Cavanough unleashed a promising two year-old debut winner in Bird Whistle.
Bloodstockauction 2025 Stallion Cover Charity Auction
Bloodstockauction Stallion Cover Charity Auction is on again this year seeking to raise money for Ronald McDonald House Charities Sydney.
Wathnan Racing Swoop - Quai de Bethune Eclipses July Sale Record 775,000 Guineas
The Tattersalls July Sale concluded in spectacular fashion with QUAI DE BETHUNE selling for a record 775,000 guineas and the Busuttin Young stable also picked up lightly raced 3YO TIME ALLOWED for Australia.
Willydoit Data Surprise - Sprinter or Stayer?
Scientific tests have revealed surprising results on the distance aptitude of this season’s star New Zealand staying three-year-old Willydoit.
G1 Sprinter Crocetti Returns to Work
Group One-winning sprinter Crocetti has returned to Danny Walker and Arron Tata’s Byerley Park stable with some lofty summer targets in-mind.
Two powerful additions announced for Equate 2025
The countdown to Equate '25 just got even more exciting. Australasia's number one innovation event for the thoroughbred industry has announced two brand-new sessions that bring together transparency, technology, and tangible takeaways for all attendees.
Melbourne Racing Club Unveils Major Spring Racing Enhancements
Racing Victoria has confirmed prize money allocations for the 2025-2026 season and Melbourne Racing Club (MRC) has announced some exciting race program changes and prizemoney increases that, together with other great initiatives at Flemington and Moonee Valley, reinforce the position of Victoria’s Spring Racing Carnival at the forefront of international racing.
Bred to Be Better at Three
Andrew Campbell will unveil another exciting youngster at Hawera on Saturday when two-year-old gelding Valvano makes his debut in the Simon Bendall @ Metcalfe Real Estate (1200m).
Juvenile Trial Watch – Randwick
Spring racing is just around the corner and a busy set of trials at Randwick on Friday featured eight heats won by juveniles with winners including stakes horses The Playwright and Cobra Club as well as unraced youngsters by Justify (USA), I Am Invincible and Flying Artie.
Godolphin Draft Headlines Huge Inglis Digital July (Early)
A 26-strong Godolphin draft, a G1 placed 3YO with credentials for the $10m Golden Eagle and shares in multiple other G1 performers including dual G1 winner Overpass headline a huge catalogue for the Inglis Digital July (Early) Online Sale.