SYMON Wilde has saddled up the winner of almost every feature race at the Warrnambool May Racing Carnival but winning the $300,000 Jericho Cup with Count Zero was right up there on his list of achievements.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Count Zero, with Warrnambool-based jockey Luke Williams in the saddle, dashed clear over the concluding stages of the 4600 metre flat race to defeat Dambulla and Wil John on Sunday.
Wilde told The Standard the Jericho Cup had been on his wish list since its first running in 2018.
"I love the concept of the Jericho Cup," he said.
"I think it's a fantastic race. It's got real meaning to it. It's not a pop-up race or money grab like some of the other ones are.
"It's got real depth and meaning and it's a real honour to win the race. Count Zero is as tough as nails. I thought his last run showed the signs that he has settled a lot better this year than he did in previous years.
"Congratulations to both our boys, Ronan (Short) and Luke, they're local jockeys and I want to thank the team at home. They've done a wonderful job."
Wilde, who trained Gold Medals to win the 2018 Grand Annual, said he had to congratulate Bill Gibbins.
"The Jericho has only had a short history but what Bill has done is sensational," he said. "I think he's created a fantastic race-day - probably one of the biggest race-days on the country circuit in years to come."
Williams said Count Zero's win was the biggest in his riding career.
Have you signed up to The Standard's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in the south-west.