Jericho Cup Day 2021 will be a day that owner Andrew Kelly will cherish forever, as he celebrated a special success in the Jericho Cup Consolation (4065m) with bargain buy, Savvy Acquisition (NZ) (Savabeel).
“I’ve been dreaming of this day ever since the first Jericho Cup,” Kelly said.
“We’ve been eying off this race with this horse for a few months now. It’s figured out better than I’d hoped!”
The son of Savabeel loomed ominously on the home turn before coming away under Arron Lynch’s riding to win by three and a half lengths, earning him a spot in next year’s Jericho Cup.
Now a seven-year-old, Savvy Acquisition had gone through five different stables in different parts of Australia before joining his current trainer Austy Coffey, who he had his first start for in April.
“He’s been a great horse for us, ever since we got him,” Kelly said.
“This is the third win we’ve had with him and he’s just a joy to be around.
“To Austy, I just can’t thank him enough for everything he’s done for the horse and for his team as well. What they’ve done is amazing, he’s got great people around him.
“I just feel so lucky.”
Winning on Jericho Cup Day was particularly significant for Kelly, given it’s a day that Australia’s war heroes, both human and equine, are commemorated.
“I had great uncles and grandparents in the war, their sacrifice, it’s amazing,” he said, emotionally.
“They sacrificed so much so we could have a day at the races like this. It’s just great to be a part of it.”
