Melbourne Cup favourite Deauville Legend could continue to race in Australia, with a decision yet to be made on the future of the leading international raider in Tuesday’s race.
Trainer James Ferguson said a decision by the owners on whether the horse’s future would be in Europe or Australia would not be made until after the Cup.
“No decision has been made,” Ferguson said. “There were wonderful opportunities for him in Europe and in Australia, so we will leave that up to the owner and the team. The owners have been big supporters of ours.”
Deauville Legend ridden by Kerrin McEvoy during trackwork at Werribee Racecourse.Credit:Racing Photos
The Irish-bred four-year-old’s owner Bon Ho is well versed in Australian racing, with his horse Classique Legend winning the 2020 Everest and the ultra-consistent Southern Legend having raced in Hong Kong.
Deauville Legend leads a depleted contingent of international horses in the race, with just four runners making it into the final field from 43 nominations from internationals for the Cup.
The number is well down from a peak of 11 international raiders running in the race pre-COVID, but Ferguson said he is no less excited to be in the race with a strong chance.
“He’s in great nick. We could not be sending him into the race in better form,” Ferguson said. “We haven’t come all this way just for a float around.”
English jockey William Buick says his mount Without A Fight is in good order to run a big race, while Craig Williams is confident Hoo Ya Mal will bounce back to compete strongly after a disappointing run in the English St Leger.
“All going well, he will find his right conditions and he performs at his best and makes his presence felt,” Williams said.
The reduced number of international runners has not upset locals, with trainers and jockeys backing the rigorous vetting procedures introduced after a number of international horses died on Melbourne Cup day. Two locally trained runners, Lunar Flare and Interpretation, are also in some doubt for this year’s race.
Hoo Ya Mal rolls after trackwork at WerribeeCredit:Racing Photos
“[The race] is definitely weaker than what it has been, so it gives the locals a bit more of a chance,” Gold Trip’s jockey Mark Zahra said.
“We had those horses coming over here and breaking down, which is a terrible look for the sport on such a big day, so anything they can do to clean that up is all good,” he said.
