Racing Australia making travel exemption case for big-race international hopes

Racing Australia has made initial representations to the country’s government regarding the prospect of international runners at the feature spring festivals, with Racing Victoria hoping travel exemptions for other sports can aid its cause.

International stars in Super Netball and Rugby League in Australia have been granted travel dispensation, and discussions with government remain ongoing.

Victoria has seen a recent spike in Covid-19 cases with 628 new positives in the last week, 13 of those from overseas travellers who are in hotel quarantine. Restrictions have been put in place in 12 suburbs of Melbourne, including Flemington – home of the Melbourne Cup – and North Melbourne, where nine tower blocks face a hard lockdown.

It is hoped the fate of international runners will be decided by mid-August in order to give trainers enough time to make travel plans if permitted.

Cross Counter: won the Melbourne Cup for Charlie Appleby and Godolphin two years agoCredit: Robert Cianflone (Getty Images)

Paul Bloodworth, Racing Victoria’s general manager of international and racing operations, said: “While there is no current restriction on international horse travel, whether or not international trainers and their staff are able to enter Australia for the Spring Racing Carnival, or similarly for feature spring events in Sydney, will be determined by the federal government.

“Racing Australia has made preliminary representations to the federal government on this matter, noting that travel exemptions have been provided for Super Netball and Rugby League. These conversations remain ongoing.

“We have committed to facilitating a shipment of up to 16 imported one-way ticket horses going to local stables through the Werribee International Horse Centre this spring. Whether we extend that capacity to welcome internationally trained horses will be determined by the federal government’s position around the entry of non-residents to Australia, and possible travel exemptions.”

Dashing Willoughby: Melbourne Cup hope for Andrew BaldingCredit: Mark Cranham (raicngpost.com/photos)

Werribee is around 20 miles west of Melbourne and dual Classic-winning trainer Andrew Balding hopes Sunday’s Group 3 Henry II Stakes scorer Dashing Willoughby will be based at the course’s training facility later this year, with connections targeting the Melbourne Cup.

Balding said: “The likelihood is we'll wait for the Lonsdale and then hopefully he'll have done enough to get into the Melbourne Cup if that's a goer in the autumn. That will very much be his goal.”

Godolphin's 2018 Melbourne Cup winner Cross Counter is among other stayers set for the southern hemisphere if international runners are permitted, while Donnacha O’Brien has suggested impressive Limerick maiden winner Great House could be considered for Australia.

There are also concerns about domestic restrictions in Australia with the border between Victoria and New South Wales closing on Tuesday night, which could have various ramifications on the sport.

Lockdown will be enforced on the New South Wales side but could impact trainers’ ability to run horses across different states, although it is hoped current restrictions that allow registered transport companies to travel horses between states will continue.

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