Australia’s richest 2400m handicap, the Caulfield Cup, may be increasing in field size beginning next year, in a bid to attract more international competition.
Subject to the approval of stewards, the Melbourne Racing Club will meet to consider increasing the field limit from 18 to 20.
The MRC is confident the Caulfield track can cope with 20 runners starting from the 2400m.
“If you can accommodate them (the 20 horses) you should try to increase the field size”, said MRC chairman Mike Symons.
I969 was the last time 20 horses started in the Caulfield Cup, when ‘Big Filou’ won on protest from ‘Nausori’.
In other Caulfield Cup developments planned by the MRC, prizemoney for the Mornington Cup will be doubled to $300,000 and the winner will receive a ballot exemption for the Caulfield Cup.
Written by Isaac Chaplin
