Cult jumps hero Stern Idol will bow out farewell at Sandown’s Lakeside course on Sunday as he chases a fourth-straight Crisp Steeplechase (4200m).

The punting public have rallied behind the champion galloper, supporting him from $2.35 down to $1.90 favouritism as he bids to secure a 19th and final victory.

Although he won’t be in the saddle this weekend after an untimely suspension, his regular jockey Steven Pateman was full of praise for the bay.

“He does one stride to their two or three and jumping it’s incredible,” Pateman said.

“Some won’t believe me, but you can make four or five lengths up at a fence.

“He’s the best jumper I’ve ever ridden. Bashboy was a better stayer and a very tough horse, but Stern Idol jumps way better and how he jumps is incredible.”

Pateman landed four successive Crisps between 2012 and 2015 on Bashboy, who was also trained by Ciaron Maher.

Stern Idol had his colours lowered by Sing For Peace in the Australian Steeplechase (3900m) two starts ago, however, there is a 9.5kg weight swing in the old warrior’s favour this weekend.

The 10-year-old will be partnered for the first time by Will Gordon with Pateman’s blessing.

“It’s not about me, it’s about the horse, and ‘Willy G’ is a legend,” Pateman said.

“We love Will Gordon, I’m rapt he’s riding him and he’ll get the job done.

“It’s not a gimme race. Sing For Peace was very impressive in the Australian and Hit The Road Jack is a winner, that horse, but they’ll have to bring it.”

Sing For Peace has eased to $4.20, while Hit The Road Jack is a solid $3.60 second elect.

Gerry Ryan, Stern Idol’s owner-breeder, had developed a plan last May to retire the gelding because he had “fulfilled our dreams”.

Beginning his career in France, where he won two of 10 starts, it was a bold and unnliekly endeavour by Ryan to send him south.

“We’re incredibly lucky he came to Australia,” Pateman said.

“As an Auteuil winner over hurdles as a three-year-old, they’re usually snapped up. It’s like heading towards a Golden Slipper-type thing as far as hurdling.”

Maher, who began his career by targeting jumps races but has become arguably the country’s best trainer, continues to be amazed by the size of the 18-hand and 615kg hulk.

“There’s probably not a racing fan in Australia that hasn’t heard of this horse,” Maher said.

“He’s a giant, the biggest horse I’ve ever trained by quite a way… everything is large or extra-large.

“I don’t think his rugs would be much good for any other horse in the stable.”