Hall of Fame trainer Gai Waterhouse has emphatically rejected calls to shorten the Victoria Derby to 2000 metres.
Addressing media at Flemington trackwork on Tuesday morning, Waterhouse didn’t mince words. “It drives me crazy when people have to tamper with things,” she said.
Her stance isn’t universally shared across the industry. Co-trainer Calvin McEvoy, who saddles leading chance Options in Saturday’s 2500-metre classic, said he would support a reduction in trip. “I understand the tradition, but I do think 2000 metres would make a very good race,” he told The Verdict podcast.
McEvoy floated the idea of a linked series of races culminating in the Derby. “I’ve heard people talking about things like setting up some bonuses for a couple of races in a row, and maybe have the Derby as the final?
“I think 2000 (metres) in the spring would be perfect, and then that can lead into the mile and a half Derbies in the autumn.”
Champion trainer Chris Waller preferred not to be drawn on the debate, while acknowledging the practical appeal of a shorter race. “It is very hard to get a horse to 2500 metres, this early,” he explained.
“Things change and you do need to make sure the quality of the race is staying up.
“But that’s for the experts to sort out.”
Lindsay Park’s Ben Hayes struck a similar note, seeing pros and cons. “I think the 2500 metres is always interesting, but I do also think if went to 2000 (metres) it would open quite a few avenues,” he said.
“Cox Plate horses might be able to run in the Derby, as well, as three-year-olds.
“There are so many options.
“I’m not against it, but I know it is tradition.”
