Proposed Caulfield Carnival Changes Not Well Received

Tara Madgwick - Tuesday June 2

Thoroughbred Racehorse Owners Association Chairman Jonathan Munz said on Monday that owners were against the proposal to run the Caulfield Carnival after the Melbourne Cup Carnival as it would be 'effectively wrecking the national racing calendar'.

"The MRC proposal is ill-advised and self-indulgent and not in the interests of the racing industry as a whole," Jonathan Munz told Racing.com.

"It is just not sensible to run the major Caulfield Cup Carnival races after Melbourne Cup Week and take away a whole series of important lead-up races.

"Just as importantly, that would result in there not being enough time to get horses ready for the Autumn Carnival.

"MRC would be effectively wrecking the national racing calendar and pattern to just potentially benefit one race day."

The Australian Trainers' Association holds a similar view fearing far reaching effects of any change for Caulfield given the decision by the VRC to remain with their traditional Melbourne Cup date and likewise the MVRC with the Cox Plate.

Munz praised RV for their efforts to keep racing going in the state during the pandemic, but fears the potential disruption resulting from movement of the Caulfield Cup.

"RVL has done a great job keeping racing open and that good work needs to continue," Munz said.

"Now is not the time to cause further disruption. We need to reinforce confidence in owners, trainers and racing fans and focus on getting back to normal as soon as possible. That of course includes maintaining prizemoney at normal levels.

"Racing Australia has announced a review of the annual racing program and pattern, which will provide the opportunity for input by all parties and that is the appropriate forum for MRC to be suggesting any changes."


 

Advertisment
More Reading...
Tarzino Stayer Wins G3 Geelong Cup
Trainer Paul Preusker will get another tilt at a Gr.1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) after Torranzino ran out a strong winner of the Gr.3 Geelong Cup (2400m) on Thursday.
Henry Longfellow Pedigree Gets an Update
Group I winning Dubawi stallion Henry Longfellow (IRE) is covering his first Australian book of mares at Rosemont Stud this spring and overnight in Ireland his two year-old sister-in-blood landed her first Group race win.
$400,000 Invincible Filly a Grand Investment
A three-quarter sister-in-blood to dual Group I winning mare Charm Stone, stakes-placed I Am Invincible filly Naifah always looked well bought at the 2025 Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale for $400,000.
Premier Racing Stables for Sale in New Zealand
A unique opportunity to get a foothold in the heart of thoroughbred country in New Zealand has arisen offering both functionality and prestige within an ideal base to pursue racing success in the leading equine region in the country.
2025 G1 Spring Champion – Pedigree Preview
A lot of attention is paid to the sprinting three year-old division and much less so to the stayers, but with $2million in prizemoney the Group I ATC Spring Champion Stakes (2000m) at Randwick on Saturday has attracted a full field of 14 and all of them are on trial at the trip.
Bold Showing Tipped for Yes Yes Yes 2YO
Speed Demon will be given every opportunity to live up to his name when he makes his debut at Ellerslie.
$140,000 NZB Ready to Run Graduate Books Ticket to G1 Victoria Derby
Bred for stamina being by Melbourne Cup winner Shoicking from a daughter of Tavistock, talented Kiwi bred three-year-old Azazel has booked his passage for the Gr.1 VRC Derby (2500m) on Saturday week after a tough victory in the Listed Roderick Insurance Brokers 3YO Geelong Classic (2200m) at Geelong on Thursday.
Juvenile Trial Watch – Rosehill
The Rosehill trials on Friday morning featured a couple of juvenile heats and both winners came out of the Widden Stud draft at Magic Millions with one topping the sale at $2.8million and the other selling for a modest $150,000.
Good News Week for Geisel Park
Geisel Park’s black-type mare Laced Up Heels is in foal off a maiden cover to Champion Australian Sire Zoustar and an orphan foal has found a new mum.
Breeding To Win – 2025 G1 MVRC Cox Plate
An emotional week in Australasian racing approaches its crescendo as we count down to the final Cox Plate before a radical new era in its history begins and we mourn the passing of one of its greatest champions.