As we begin to look at who is in contention for the 2023 Melbourne Cup, we also wonder what the future holds for the race when it comes to overseas contenders.
This week, Racing Victoria is unapologetic after it emerges that more foreign trainers may sit out their Carnival. Sydney is now becoming more en vogue owing to RV’s veterinary checks.
Joseph O’Brien Heading to Sydney
Last time around, Cup winning trainer Joseph O’Brien was conspicuous by his absence. As we’ve reported before, European trainers in particular have been very critical of Racing Victoria’s stringent veterinary requirements.
Now, it has emerged that O’Brien will be a guest at the Sydney Championships.
Last year, O’Brien had fully 10 Melbourne Cup runners nominated. In the end, he didn’t run any of them. Vets appointed by RV heavily scrutinised some of his horses in the build-up to the Aussie spring. This was done as part of the screening set in place for international participants.
Now, O’Brien is targeting races such as the $2 million Sydney Cup in the autumn. Though that purse is only 25% of the Melbourne Cups, it is attractive given that the vetting requirements to ship into New South Wales are much more lenient.
No Regrets from RV
Though the favourite for the 2022 Melbourne Cup was indeed a European-trained runner, the lack of participation from the O’Briens, Joseph and father Aidan, was noticeable. Despite this, Racing Victoria is this week claiming it has no regrets about the situation.
In a rather incredulous statement this week, RV made no apologies. For their part, they believe that their “world-leading safety standards” help reduce risk of injury to horses. They say that it promotes a better spectacle for all involved.
The truth of the matter however is that in saying this, they are at the same time saying that the NSW checks are not good enough. On top of this, horses in the care of Joseph O’Brien and many other European trainers already get the best of care, something their record backs up.
So, if they are unhappy at RV’s checks, maybe it’s time they sat up and took notice.
Lack of Injuries Now the Justification
Since the invasive vet procedures were introduced, two spring carnivals have gone by without serious injuries. That is RV’s justification for continuing on their path.
However, the Europeans didn’t arrive for one of these owing partly to travel restrictions. They also agreed to checks by RV vets, but not the invasive procedures which may be harmful in the long run.
It is argued that RV is running scared of some animal rights groups on this issue. As a sporting spectacle, the Cup needs overseas participation. Sydney is more than happy to take them.
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