The Jericho Cup
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RACING on SUNDAY November 30th 2025

RUN ANNUALLY since 2018 on the 4th sunday after the melbourne cup

revived in its centenary year

TICKETS/PACKAGES AVAILABLE FROM SEPTEMBER 2025

 
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Approaching the end of the First World War the Australian Light Horse were planning a major offensive against the Turkish Empire.

In order to lull the enemy into believing nothing unusual was afoot,
a race meeting was organised on the eve of the assault.

The main race was called The Jericho Cup over 3 miles through the desert sands.

The winner was Bill the Bastard, probably Australia’s Greatest War Horse.

His exploits are detailed in the book Bill the Bastard by noted historian Professor Roland Perry.
You can read Chapter 24 “The Ruse” below. It tells the story of the first Jericho Cup.

The Jericho Cup will be re-run annually from the 100th anniversary in 2018 to honour Bill the Bastard, the Australian Light Horsemen and their magnificent mounts – The Walers 1914 to 1918.

After the disaster of the Gallipoli landing they collectively formed the spearhead of the Allied Forces in the Middle East.
They destroyed the centuries old Ottoman Empire and drove the Turks from the Holy Land.

Traditionally we have remembered the disaster and not the ultimate victory. Until now...

Contact bill@thejerichocup.com.au

CURRENT POINTS

 

QUALIFYING

 

Race Card

Race Name Distance Benchmark
1. Harry Bell 1,400m 3yo Maiden
2. Michael Shanahan 1,200m Maiden
3. Banjo Paterson - Honorary Vet 1,700m BM58
4. Harry Chauvel 2,000m BM64
5. The Jericho Cup - Consolation (if sufficient acceptances) 4,065m BM TBC
6. Midnight Madness - Fillies and Mares 1,200m BM70
7. Charge at Beersheba Sprint 1,000m BM70
8. The Jericho Cup 4,600m BM90
9. Goodbye Albany, Farewell Australia 1,400m BM64

Upcoming Events

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An experience like nothing else
— Attendee


REad

Bill The Bastard by Roland Perry

CHAPTER 24 “THE RUSE”

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REPRODUCED WITH PERMISSION FROM ALLEN & UNWIN BOOK PUBLISHERS

BILL THE BASTARD

BY ROLAND PERRY