Bonneval Caulfield Cup doubts linger after vet inspection

Ben Dorries - Wednesday October 18

Doubts linger over whether Bonneval will take her place in the Caulfield Cup on Saturday, with Racing Victoria vets concerned the Kiwi mare is still showing signs of lameness.

Advertisement
Doubts linger about whether Caulfield Cup second favourite Bonneval will be cleared to take her place in the field Photo: Darryl Sherer

Chief steward Terry Bailey told Bonneval's trainer Murray Baker an RV vet inspection on Wednesday showed the Kiwi contender was "one out of five lame."

Bailey said Bonneval would need to be re-inspected on Thursday and he would have to consult with Baker's vet.

Baker protested "there is nothing wrong with her" and said Kerrin McEvoy was more than happy with her gallop on Wednesday morning.

Baker insisted he would not run the mare if there was any issue and said any signs of lameness "might just be the horse's trait."

"I have heard that before," Bailey replied.

"To be sure, to be sure, she will need to be checked out tomorrow."

Baker says the mare, the $7.50 second favourite in latest markets, is fine to run in the Caulfield Cup despite suffering cuts to her offside hind leg and being found to be lame in her near side leg after Saturday's Group I Caulfield Stakes.

Advertisment
More Reading...
West is Best - Outstanding Perth Magic Millions Yearling Catalogue Online
The cream of the Western Australian yearling crop has been assembled for the 2026 Magic Millions Perth Yearling Sale and the quality packed catalogue is now online. 
Thoroughbred Breeders Australia announces 2026 Next Crop Committee
Thoroughbred Breeders Australia (TBA) is pleased to announce the appointment of the 2026 Next Crop Committee, a national group of passionate and forward-thinking industry participants committed to supporting the next generation of Australia’s thoroughbred industry.
One to Watch – Newcastle
A debut winner for Farnan has an interesting background, bred in Queensland and sold as a weanling before becoming a pinhook winner at the Adelaide Magic Millions and now being trained at Newcastle where he won today.
Cool Archie Return Delayed
The highly anticipated return to the races for exciting colt Cool Archie has been put on ice with co-trainer Chris Munce revealing the colt has an issue.
Vote for Your Favourite Foal of 2025
We thank everyone for their participation in this year’s Foal Gallery with an amazing selection of babies from all over Australia and New Zealand making it a real showcase for breeders big and small and the task of selecting just six for our audience to vote for is not an easy one.
Racing Australia Issue a Statement on Black Type
Racing Australia Chairman Rob Rorrison has released the following statement. 
Mick Dee Chasing More Kiwi Glory
Expat jockey Mick Dee is set to return to one of his happiest hunting grounds, Ellerslie, with a full book of rides on Boxing Day headed by El Vencedor in the Gr. 1 Cambridge Stud Zabeel Classic (2000m).
Magic Millions 2026 Magazine Now Online
The Magic Millions magazine is now online featuring a terrific mix of stories for the racing fan and horse lover ahead of the racing canival and yearling sale next month in the Gold Coast.
First Win for $1million Jet
He was bought for $1million at Magic Millions with stallion potential in mind, but Zoustar three year-old Jet found the winner’s circle for the first time at Warwick Farm on Wednesday as a gelding.
Sires With Winners - Tuesday December 16
Here is the full list of 16 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.