further behind than Walla Walla, phr. — Green’s Dictionary of Slang

further behind than Walla Walla phr.

also further back than Walla Walla

[proper name of the racehorse Walla Walla, celebrated for his ability to come from far behind and still win]

(Aus.) delayed, at a disadvantage.

1953		T.A.G. Hungerford Riverslake 161: Chuck over that pair of strides, will you – I’m further behind than Walla-walla.
1999		G. Seal Lingo 127: There are [...] subtle gradations in the types of stupidity, thoughtlessness, hopelessness, incapacity and sheer ineptitude that may come in for verbal censure. A person may be: [...] further behind than walla-walla.
2013		T. Peacock More You Bet 8: When delayed or disadvantaged [one was] ‘further back than Walla Walla’.