The MRC is confident that the impact of the International Injury Review’s recommendations that were adopted will have minimal affect on the international participation in its Caulfield Cup although the length between the two races must pose some concern.
MRC Executive Director Jake Norton, said his club was supportive of the the changes and is hopeful it will help provide an incident-free Melbourne Cup.
The controversial decision to allow horses only one lead up run prior to a start in the Melbourne Cup could mean International horses could delay their travel to Australia which would see them miss the Caulfield Cup which is run more than three weeks prior to the Melbourne Cup.
“I wouldn’t say there is concern,” Norton said.
“It’s a little difficult to predict this far out whether there will be any implications on the Caulfield Cup.
“We also believe the Caulfield Cup is a standalone, attractive event on the global scale in its own right.
“Not every year do you have horses that necessarily run in the Caulfield Cup en route to the Melbourne Cup. We are going to continue to promote the Caulfield Cup as a great individual Group 1 race in its own right.
“There will be fewer horses at Werribee quarantine centre, so common sense would suggest that they would probably be reduced in line with that ratio. We really have to see come August/September when horses have to be booked to arrive.
“We are really hopeful we won’t see an adverse impact on not only the Caulfield Cup and our carnival here at the Heath, but in the broader Spring Carnival.”
