Uncertainty over flights for European stable staff travelling to spring carnival

Uncertainty surrounding flights into Australia has prompted concerns that some staff from leading European stables may be unable to travel to the country for the upcoming spring carnival.

While travel exemptions are being granted, Paul Bloodworth of Racing Victoria is hoping flights that staff are due to travel on remain in place.

"The travel exemptions are being approved for the vast majority of people who want to come, with most internationals having booked flights to arrive in Sydney in time to do their quarantine and come down to Melbourne," Bloodworth told Racing.com.

"The only question now is whether the airlines honour those flights that are booked.”

Aspetar: Cox Plate aim for stable starCredit: Edward Whitaker

The Roger Charlton-trained Aspetar, Ashrun for Andreas Wohler and Ed Dunlop’s Red Verdon could be affected.

"Roger [Charlton] has confirmed the Cox Plate is the target for Aspetar but he is one that is also having a couple of flight issues for a staff member he wants to send," Bloodworth said.

“Australian Bloodstock want to bring Ashrun and Andreas wants to train him but his issue is that he's a little late to the game as Ashrun only came into the picture a bit over a week ago," Bloodworth added.

“Ed Dunlop expressed interest to me about coming last week. They are in the same camp as Andreas Wohler in as much they were late to the game, so they don't have any travel exemptions approved yet," Bloodworth said.

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