International runners take a big gamble on the cup

News

1st Nov 2009

WHEN it comes to making a huge bet on the Melbourne Cup, the biggest gambles may be those of the owners of this year's international runners.

Even if they don't back their horse with the bookies, just getting their galloper from Europe to Flemington's starting gate could have cost them as much as $120,000.

"It's a very expensive business, so you really want to be making sure you finish in the prizemoney," explains England-based trainer Luca Cumani, who has saddled the second-placed horse in the last two runnings of the cup.

To get even some of their money back, the Europeans need to finish in the top 10, with sixth to tenth place carrying a prize of $115,000. The carrot, though, is the first prize of $3.3 million.

Unlike other big international races in Hong Kong, Singapore and Canada, no expenses are paid to encourage challengers from overseas.

"Having these foreign entries really adds another level of interest to the race, but it's our policy not to pay to bring them here," explains Leigh Jordan, director of racing operations at Racing Victoria.

"So considering the number of runners we get it's a real testament to the race's standing that so many owners and trainers are tempted to ship their horses halfway across the world."

For English trainer Ian Williams, who will have his first Australian runner in Tuesday's cup, the race's reputation was one of the major incentives to bringing his eight year-old gelding Munsefto Victoria, even though he will start a long shot.

"The Melbourne Cup is one of those races that you dream of winning, even if you're based in England,'' he says.

"I remember watching the cup when I was young and I've read a few books about the race. It's incredibly exciting to be involved with such a huge event."

Incredibly, given that such expense is involved, some trainers have sent their horses to Australia without a guarantee of even making the starting line-up.

Cumani shipped Cima De Triomphe and Basaltico to Melbourne without either being assured a start. When Cima De Triomphe flopped in the Caulfield Cup it was essential he win yesterday's Mackinnon Stakes but he could only finish ninth.

Meanwhile Basaltico was reliant on Efficient and other better-qualified horses dropping out to get a definite run after failing to win the Geelong Cup.

Cumani, who has decided to remain in England to save further costs, says: "It's a risk you take and unfortunately neither horse did what they needed to do in their first runs.

"I'll still be prepared to come back, but you have to make sure you bring the right sort of horses to give yourself every chance."

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