Vale Bill Gibbins

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   Racing Victoria has confirmed the passing of Bill Gibbins, the founder of the modern Jericho Cup, terming his passion for charity, history and horse racing as being legendary.
Gibbins not only revived the concept of World War I's Jericho Cup in 2018, he funded the prizemoney for the race and for the trainer's bonus for the first four editions of the longest flat thoroughbred race in Australia at 4600 metres.
"It is with great sadness that Racing Victoria and Country Racing Victoria acknowledge the passing of philanthropist and highly respected contributor to the Victorian racing industry Bill Gibbins following a long battle with illness," RV said in a statement.
Gibbins' list of charitable contributions runs longer than the Jericho Cup itself and includes organisations like Riding for the Disabled Association of Australia and Wheelchairs for Kids.
He was awarded Member of the Order of Australia in the Queen's Birthday Honours in June 2021 for significant service to horse racing and to people with disability, as well as his philanthropist generosity.
Gibbins and his wife Iolanda are both life members of the Warrnambool Racing Club and Bill was inducted into the WRC's Hall of Fame in 2024.
"Our heartfelt condolences go out to Bill Gibbins' family and friends on behalf of everyone at Racing Victoria and the Victorian racing industry," said RV chief executive Aaron Morrison. Universally loved and highly respected, Bill's contribution to both racing and the community cannot be understated.
"Thanks to Bill's vision and passion, we now run Australia's longest flat race, the Jericho Cup, a recognised and much-anticipated event on the annual racing calendar.
"Bill contributed over $1 million of his own money to fund the first four Jericho Cups because that was exactly the type of person he was - he stood up for what he believed in.
"He was passionate about Australia and its heritage and recognised the importance of remembering our servicemen and women, something that I'd like to personally acknowledge and respect."
CRV chief executive Scott Whiteman said: "Bill was a great man and a great contributor not only to country racing and Australian racing in general, but also to the men and women that served this great country because he made sure that they received recognition through his Jericho Cup involvement," he said.
"Bill's amazing legacy will live on through The Jericho, a race and series that Bill was the backbone of implementing at Warrnambool back in 2018."

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Gay3 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Moderator Group Joined: 19 Feb 2007 Location: Miners Rest Status: Offline Points: 55608	Post Options Post Reply Quote Gay3 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: Vale Bill Gibbins Posted: 04 Dec 2025 at 5:27pm
	Racing Victoria has confirmed the passing of Bill Gibbins, the founder of the modern Jericho Cup, terming his passion for charity, history and horse racing as being legendary. Gibbins not only revived the concept of World War I's Jericho Cup in 2018, he funded the prizemoney for the race and for the trainer's bonus for the first four editions of the longest flat thoroughbred race in Australia at 4600 metres. "It is with great sadness that Racing Victoria and Country Racing Victoria acknowledge the passing of philanthropist and highly respected contributor to the Victorian racing industry Bill Gibbins following a long battle with illness," RV said in a statement. Gibbins' list of charitable contributions runs longer than the Jericho Cup itself and includes organisations like Riding for the Disabled Association of Australia and Wheelchairs for Kids. He was awarded Member of the Order of Australia in the Queen's Birthday Honours in June 2021 for significant service to horse racing and to people with disability, as well as his philanthropist generosity. Gibbins and his wife Iolanda are both life members of the Warrnambool Racing Club and Bill was inducted into the WRC's Hall of Fame in 2024. "Our heartfelt condolences go out to Bill Gibbins' family and friends on behalf of everyone at Racing Victoria and the Victorian racing industry," said RV chief executive Aaron Morrison. Universally loved and highly respected, Bill's contribution to both racing and the community cannot be understated. "Thanks to Bill's vision and passion, we now run Australia's longest flat race, the Jericho Cup, a recognised and much-anticipated event on the annual racing calendar. "Bill contributed over $1 million of his own money to fund the first four Jericho Cups because that was exactly the type of person he was - he stood up for what he believed in. "He was passionate about Australia and its heritage and recognised the importance of remembering our servicemen and women, something that I'd like to personally acknowledge and respect." CRV chief executive Scott Whiteman said: "Bill was a great man and a great contributor not only to country racing and Australian racing in general, but also to the men and women that served this great country because he made sure that they received recognition through his Jericho Cup involvement," he said. "Bill's amazing legacy will live on through The Jericho, a race and series that Bill was the backbone of implementing at Warrnambool back in 2018."
	It takes a wise man a lifetime to grow a tree and a fool five minutes to kill one.

GAJ Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Champion Joined: 13 Apr 2011 Location: Alstonville,NSW Status: Offline Points: 5184	Post Options Post Reply Quote GAJ Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 10 Dec 2025 at 7:17am
	Very sad news, a nice chap so passionate about giving Australian bred stayers a go. I was just invited to his funeral, so wasn't aware he had passed away till yesterday. He was very keen for me to bring my staying mare (I'll Miss You) to Victoria for the event after she qualified in a race at Grafton over 3120m. RIP Bill.