November 19, 2015
This Saturday, 21 November, Rosehill Gardens will celebrate the career of jockey Jimmy “The Pumper” Cassidy who has recently announced his retirement from the track.
The veteran hoop has had a stellar career spanning more than three decades which has included 104 wins at Group 1 level.
Patrons on course at 11.30am will have the chance to meet and have a photo opportunity with Jimmy at the Golden Slipper Wall of Fame behind the Members Enclosure.
Life size cut outs of Jimmy will also be circulating the track for fans to have their picture taken with.
On the big screen a series of highlight reels will be broadcast with key racing wins, memorable moments and industry acknowledgements of Jimmy’s life in the saddle.
Australian Turf Club Chief Operating Officer Tony Partridge said hosting a race day for Jim Cassidy was a fitting way to farewell him from his riding career.
“Jim Cassidy is one of the true champions of the turf and Saturday’s tribute race day is just a small gesture on behalf of the Club to celebrate Jimmy’s career achievements,” said Mr Partridge.
“Family, friends, industry representatives and sponsors have all come together to be a part of the day and thank Jimmy in their own way for all that he has brought to the great sport of racing.”
On the track, a number of the nine races on the card have been specially named in honour of the Hall of Fame inductee including the $150,000 Jimmy “The Pumper” Cassidy Golden Gift.
Ten two-year-olds will face the starter with well-bred Jericho, who is trained by Peter and Paul Snowden, the $4.20 TAB Fixed Odds favourite after two impressive barrier trial wins.
Pittsburgh ($8.00 TAB Fixed Odds), trained by Anthony Cummings, will back up at Rosehill Gardens again this Saturday and will be looking to go one better than the narrow second place he ran last weekend.
Punters cannot split Binary from the Hawkes stable and Heavens Above for Tim Martin in the $85,000 ATC Farewells Jim Cassidy Handicap. The pair opened at $5.00 with TAB Fixed Odds with both runners finishing a close second in their last start.
Proven over the distance, Chris Waller-trained Cauthen’s Power ($6.00 TAB Fixed Odds) will also be competitive coming off a last start win.
Interest also centres around the $85,000 Schweppes Farewells Jimmy Cassidy Handicap. Team Hawkes has entered God’s In Him who boasts five career wins from 12 starts. The gelding is proven over the distance on the Rosehill Gardens track and opens as the $3.40 TAB Fixed Odds favourite.
Similarly, Gamblestown ($6.50 TAB Fixed Odds) for Joseph Pride is also proven over the distance looms as a strong danger coming off a last start win.
Gates Open at 11.30am with the first race at 12.45pm.
Rosehill Gardens has free high-capacity WiFi across the racecourse precinct.
There is free public parking off James Ruse Drive as well as free parking in the infield from the Unwin Road entrance.