Racing Victoria (RV) has announced adjustments to the weight scales for the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups, aiming to achieve a broader distribution of weights among competitors.
Effective from the 2025 editions, the minimum topweight at final acceptance will be set at 57 kilograms, reinstating a policy last applied in 2016. Additionally, the minimum allotted weight for these Group 1 races will increase from 50kg to 51kg, and the minimum topweight will rise from 58kg to 59kg.
These changes address concerns from the 2024 races, where notably low topweights resulted in a compressed weight scale. For instance, in the 2024 Caulfield Cup, the topweight was 55kg, leading to four horses carrying the limit weight of 50kg. Similarly, the Melbourne Cup’s topweight was 55.5kg, with eight horses carrying 50kg. Such scenarios limited jockey selection options for trainers and owners.
RV’s chief handicapper, David Hegan, stated that the revised weight scale aims to attract the highest quality fields and reduce physical demands on jockeys, providing owners and trainers with greater flexibility in rider selection. The adjustments were made in consultation with industry stakeholders, including the Australian Trainers’ Association and the Victorian Jockeys Association, both of which have expressed support for the changes.
“The adjustments aim to provide both races with the best chance of attracting the highest quality field of horses and jockeys and ensure owners and trainers have a broad cross section of jockeys to choose from,” the RV statement read.
“The review was announced following the 2024 editions in response to feedback about the spread of weights among acceptors, the challenge for riders to make weights and the difficulties for connections to engage their preferred jockey.”
“The revamped weight scale aims to ensure that the strongest possible field of competitors are present for two of the country’s most important races, while reducing the physical demands on jockeys so that they can perform at their best.
“These changes also mean that owners and trainers will have greater scope to select the rider of their choice in the Cups. Importantly, opportunities will remain for lightweight riders to showcase their talents on the big stage.”
