Report recommends limit on spring races for overseas horses

FEWER international horses will be invited to contest the Victorian spring carnival under wide-ranging changes to be implemented, however the Melbourne Cup will retain its capacity of 24 runners.

A report by Racing Victoria into the deaths of overseas horses, instigated after Anthony Van Dyck’s fatal injury in last year’s race, made 44 recommendations, with all but three to be adopted.

Among the recommendations rejected include reducing the Melbourne Cup field to 20 runners and a track rating of

Good 4 or softer for the race. Werribee will continue to be used as the quarantine facility for international gallopers and there will be more extensive vet inspections.

But international horses based at Werribee during the spring carnival will be limited to only one start in Australia before competing in the Melbourne Cup in one of the most stringent measures introduced.

“Racing Victoria, and the broader racing industry, has a duty to provide for the safety and welfare of every horse in every race,” VRC chairman

Brian Kruger said. “There will be a reduction in the number of international horses that travel to Melbourne with unprecedented veterinary screening and oversight to be delivered, building upon a series of enhancements made in 2019.

“There will be improvements to the Werribee International Horse Centre to aid horse welfare and veterinary screening, while all horses, international and local, will need to pass rigorous examinations to take their place in the Melbourne Cup.”