October
NovemberAll too much
Talk of limiting the number of international horses in the Melbourne Cup is, I think, just talk. However, I believe that $6 million is far too much prizemoney for the class of horse that the Cup attracts.
For the last three years at least, no horse in the race has been asked to carry weight-for-age, so they are not world-beaters. Even a Caulfield Cup winner with 58 kilos is not asked to carry weight-for-age — most peculiar.
In my opinion $4 million would be more than enough for the Cup. Perhaps a $4 million race may result in a reduction in overseas entries.
It would not worry me because the Melbourne Cup has become the dullest big race in Australia. It might be of a higher quality than in the past, but it has lost its charm.
The richest sprint race at Flemington, spring or autumn, is worth $1 million, a paltry sum compared to the Melbourne Cup, prize, and yet the field for the $1 million Darley Classic was of a higher class than the Cup.
I think that a $4 million Melbourne Cup and a $3 million Darley Classic would be sensible.
The win of Protectionist will not turn our breeding industry on its head. Just look at the stud service fees for Americain and Fiorente compared with those for Fastnet Rock, Redoute’s Choice, Lonhro, Pierro, All Too Hard and others.
I repeat, $6 million is too much for a race in which the world’s top horses do not take part.
It is overdue for decent prizemoney to be put into our strength, sprint races.
Frankston South (Vic)