Back-to-back Jarick!

NOT even inclement weather could dampen the excitement surrounding the first of the Gippsland Festival of Racing’s trilogy of Country Cups, the Group 1 Sale Cup, on Boxing Day.  

The 1750-strong crowd enjoyed live music, food trucks, the Party Paddock and an appearance from AFL great Gary Ablett who socialised with the large crowd having photos taken and signing autographs with those on track.  

Balliang’s “Team Delbridge” juggernaut rolled on when middle-distance marvel Jarick Bale steamrolled his rivals in the feature race, the $120,335 Group 1 TRFM Sale Cup (650m), claiming back-to-back victories in the only Country Cup in Victoria that carries Group 1 status.

Jarick Bale became only the second greyhound to secure successive Sale Cups, joining Wylie Boy (1995-96).

Trained by Mark Delbridge, Jarick Bale accelerated quickly from the ‘black’ trap (Box 7) to score a commanding 4.4L win over Dookie Devil with his kennelmate, Group 1 Melbourne Cup winner Yachi Bale.

In the lead-in to the final, Delbridge couldn’t ‘split’ his dynamic duo. 

“I think they can both win it… they’re much of a muchness, the only difference is that Jarick Bale is proven over 650m, while Yachi Bale is the up-and-comer,” he said.

The Warragul Cup is up next on Friday, January 13, and Gary Ablett Junior will be back on track to meet and greet the locals. 

The Warragul Cup is always a great feature of the Gippsland Festival of Racing, and the 2022 edition promises to be a highlight once again with more live entertainment for racegoers to enjoy.