Exciting Updates in the World of Horse Racing: Key Nominations for Caulfield Cup and Cox Plate Unveiled
The anticipation for the upcoming major racing events in Melbourne is building as the nominations for two prestigious features, the Caulfield Cup and the Cox Plate, have been announced.
Caulfield Cup Nominations
According to the latest reports, a total of 173 horses have been entered for the Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m), which is set to take place on October 19th. This number is just shy of the 175 entries received last year. Notably, the international representation has increased, with 36 overseas-trained gallopers vying for the coveted trophy, up from 24 last year.
Cox Plate Nominations
In the highly competitive Group 1 Cox Plate (2040m), which will be held a week later at Moonee Valley, the nominations stand at 137 – a slight decrease from the 178 entries received in 2022. However, the international presence has strengthened, with 20 horses from abroad, including three from Japan. This is an increase from the 17 international entries last year.
“We’re happy with the quality, especially from the international contingent,” said Charlotte Mills, the head of racing at the Moonee Valley Racing Club. “Plus, we also have three former runners in Fangirl, Mr Brightside and Young Werther among the entries also.”
The entries for the Group 1 Melbourne Cup (3200m), scheduled for November 5th, will not close until next month, allowing trainers and owners more time to finalize their plans.
According to Paul Bloodworth, the General Manager of International and Racing Operations at Racing Victoria, the veterinary protocols introduced after the tragic loss of Anthony Van Dyck in the 2020 Melbourne Cup are now better understood by overseas trainers, which has contributed to the increase in international participation.
“I think that is an indication that trainers overseas are becoming attuned to what is required to come to Australia from a veterinary perspective and they still see the Cox Plate and the Caulfield Cup as viable options,” Bloodworth said.
With several top-rated international horses, including Rebel’s Romance for Charlie Appleby and Auguste Rodin for Aidan O’Brien, among the nominations, the potential for world-class competition at these iconic Australian racing events is undeniably high.
As the countdown to the Caulfield Cup and Cox Plate continues, horse racing enthusiasts can look forward to an exciting and competitive spring season in the heart of Melbourne.
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