Aaron Purcell’s iron stayer Farag (NZ) (Sacred Falls) has etched his name into Jericho Cup folklore, winning the marathon 4415-metre feature for the second year running under jockey Will Gordon, who claimed the race for a third time.
The son of Sacred Falls, heavily backed from $3.50 into $2.70 late, carried the top weight of 70kg but was able to settle close to the speed with cover throughout.
With the race run entirely on the course proper due to concerns with the steeplechase course ground across Alfred and Tozers Road, there was no change of direction in running, and Farag maintained the soft position until pulling out on the corner.
The challengers came – Ferago ($8.50) storming home from nowhere to grab second, and Guido ($8) grinding away as usual – but unlike last year’s 20-length demolition, Farag had to fight.
Still, the ultra-tough stayer held firm, taking his prizemoney tally beyond A$600,000 and confirming his status as one of the country’s most durable stayers.
Gordon, who continues his sparkling form, admitted the switch was unsettling but praised Purcell’s preparation.
“It was a bit of a worry to be honest, I would have much rather been around the paddocks,” Gordon said.
“All the credit’s got to go to Aaron and the team, they just primed him again perfectly. Every year, you hop on him before the race, and he just seems to be at that different level to when you’ve ridden him before.
“They know exactly what they’re doing, and he (Farag) did the rest, he showed how dominant he was.”
Earlier, track concerns were raised after the 3400m Jericho Cup Consolation, won by local trainer Mark Greig and relocated Kiwi hoop Portia Matthews aboard Sabre Athena ($14). Jockey David Mulcahy fell heavily when his mount Matthew Mark ($10) slipped taking the right-hand turn out of the Tozers Road crossing.
Stewards subsequently moved the Jericho Cup from the steeplechase course to the course proper adjusting the distance from 4600 metres to 4415m.