International horses are limited to only one race in Australia going into the Melbourne Cup. This rule might soon change, though, as reports claim that Racing Victoria is weighing the pros and cons of changing this rule in favour of those coming to race from abroad.
The rule became more prominent after Caulfield Cup runner-up West Wind Blows wasn’t allowed to enter the Melbourne Cup because it ran in the Turnbull Stakes too. The horse’s team admitted it already knew it would be impossible for West Wind Blows to be considered for the Melbourne Cup. However, that didn’t stop people from discussing whether the rule should be amended.
Veteran Coach Says Racing Victoria Helps Maintain Racing Integrity
Prominent trainer Willie Mullins praised Racing Victoria for “doing a wonderful thing for racing,” adding that the governing principal racing authority was helping teams deal with “the new veterinary hoops” they had to “jump through.”
The 17-time Irish National Hunt Champion also complimented Racing Victoria for maintaining racing integrity, saying that the decisions made in Australia had a global impact.
As for when Racing Victoria might come out with a decision on whether it will change the rule or not, reports say that the racing authority will review the situation soon, and any decision it makes will only be aimed at enhancing the fairness and safety of horse racing.
