The Cossack Qualifies for Jericho Cup

Champion jumper The Cossack (NZ) (Mastercraftsman) made his mark in a different role at New Plymouth on Saturday with a hard-fought victory in the $30,000 NZB Airfreight Road to Jericho (3210m). An outstanding jumper, who boasts victories in the Great Northern Hurdle (4190m), Waikato Hurdle (3200m), Wellington Hurdle (3100m) and Grand National Hurdle (4200m) within the last 12 months, he has now qualified to contest Warrnambool’s $300,000 Jericho Cup (4600m) on 29 November. Trained at Hastings by Paul Nelson and Corrina McDougal, The Cossack’s 9 wins from 41 starts also includes 3 victories on the flat, according to New Zealand Bloodstock. Saturday’s race was the first of two Jericho Cup qualifying heats staged in New Zealand, with the second heat to be held at Riccarton Park on 24 October. The winner of each race receives a guaranteed start in the A$300,000 Jericho Cup (4600m) at Warrnambool on 29 November. As sponsors, NZB Airfreight offers 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. Should The Cossack take up that option, he’s unlikely to attempt back-to-back wins in Ellerslie’s iconic The Great Northern.