This Sunday’s Freight Lines Group Esperance Cup (2010m) will be filled with emotion as Passion For War competes in the race without his late trainer, Jeff Eeles, who tragically passed away last week.

Eeles, a former jockey and beloved member of the Esperance racing community, guided Passion For War to three wins after the gelding initially raced under Paul Jordan in Perth. Now, close family friend Josh Brown will saddle up Passion For War in the Cup, hoping a victory will honour Eeles’ memory.

Brown, a young and talented horseman, shared a heartfelt connection with Eeles, saying, “Jeff has been a close friend of the family, and ironically I was the last person to speak to him.” He added that the family had mixed feelings about whether to run the horse, but ultimately wanted to give Eeles one last chance to be part of the Cup.

Two weeks ago, Brown’s presence proved fortuitous as Passion For War caused a stunning upset, defeating Esperance Cup rival Uncompromised in a key lead-up race. Now, Brown is hoping fate will smile again. “We saddled the horse when Jeff was in ICU, and sure enough, he won,” Brown said.

Emotion aside, Brown believes Passion For War has a strong chance in the Esperance Cup, despite being an outsider at $71 with online betting sites. Brown also has a second contender, Elite Fighter, who has been consistently impressive this season.

Passion For War, with new rider Brandon Louis, will start from barrier two, while Elite Fighter, at $21, will be ridden by Brayden Gaerth. Stormageddon, a last-start winner, is the $1.75 favourite, with Clint Johnston-Porter retaining the ride.