Inspiration from a mate’s fighting spirit could propel the son of a former Group 1-winning jockey to gold at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

Jacob Cassar, the son of former Melbourne jockey Eddie Cassar, was one of eight boxers selected to represent Australia at the Commonwealth Games, which begin in late July.

Cassar is the only Victorian boxer and one of two 19-year-olds that made the team after a gruelling qualifying tournament in Canberra.

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“I had selection trials about six months ago at the AIS and I had to fight six times in seven days to qualify. It was a massive tournament,” Cassar said.

Cassar spends as much time as possible overseas, gaining experience fighting in the 65kg weight class, but has never forgotten his racing roots.

Cassar grew up alongside Tom Prebble and Jett Stanley as the trio’s fathers rode together on the Melbourne jockeys’ circuit in the 1990s and 2000s.

Prebble’s riding career sadly ended when he sustained spinal injuries in a fall at Warrnambool last spring.

Cassar said the way Prebble has fought in his rehabilitation has inspired him in his quest to represent Australia at the highest possible levels of his sport.

“’Tom is a massive inspiration to me and I see him as my brother,” Cassar said.

“When I’m in the country, I love getting some lunch with him or get a coffee.

“Both of them are like brothers to me. I’m pretty close with both of them.”

Cassar has won 57 of 65 fights and is yet to lose in Australia

He said his father had been a significant part of the big team that’s behind him, which has helped Cassar to win fights in Brazil, England, Spain in Lithuania as well as his home country.

Another round of international competition will give Cassar a lead-in to the Commonwealth Games.

“Dad doesn’t claim the credit but we do it all together and we’re a great team,” Cassar said.

“There’s my coach at Lions’ Den in Sunbury and my dad does all my fitness for me. It’s a massive team and working well.

“I’m off to China in three weeks for another World Cup there. Then I go to Belgium, then Ireland and straight to Glasgow to get as much international experience as I can.

“Fingers crossed, I can go over there and get gold.”

Dreams require funding and several racing identities, including former Victorian Jockeys’ Association boss Des O’Keeffe and the VJA, have donated to Cassar’s fundraising efforts through the Australian Sports Foundation.

Cassar was grateful for the support.

“Unfortunately, boxing is not a funded sport so I’m funding it myself,” Cassar said.

“I’m fortunate to have mum (VRC executive Bec Cassar) and dad supporting me but we’ve got that fundraiser going and I’m very grateful to everyone that has supported me and helping me on the journey.”

Those wishing to support Cassar’s bid for Commonwealth Games gold by making a tax deductible donation should visit asf.org.au/campaigns/jacob-cassar-jacob-cassar-2026-commonwealth-games.

Originally published as Boxer Jacob Cassar, inspired by injured jockey friend Tom Prebble, fights for gold at 2026 Commonwealth Games