International Interest in Melbourne Cup
The Melbourne Cup will be hosted by Flemington Racecourse in Australia on 4 November 2008, and it is one of the most prestigious events of the horse racing calendar. And now, as if an international competitor winning the Caulfield Cup was not enough, a string of foreign horses are being trained for another onslaught; only this time it will be on the Melbourne Cup. However, there are a few local horses that are capable of packing a lethal punch, and it is hoped, that after losing the Caulfield Cup, Australia can redeem themselves next month.
On Saturday, 18 October 2008, eighteen horses lined up in the starting gates for the 2008 Caulfield Cup. Ridden by Kerrin McEnvoy, All The Good showed no signs of discomfort or hesitation, as he worked his way through the competitors and ran towards the wire and to victory. This magnificent Group One win, has led the Godolphin team to set their sights on the Melbourne Cup, and according to McEnvoy, All The Good will be a formidable competitor in the race, especially if he produces the same performance he did on Saturday. But it is not only All The Good and his connections that are looking towards November, a few other international heavy weights are also preparing for the event.
Well known trainer, Aiden O’Brian, has brought Septimus to Australia, and with an impressive career of eight victories off twelve starts, Septimus will be adding pressure to the field. In the Irish St. Leger, Septimus managed to win by a staggering thirteen lengths, proving that he has the strength and endurance to cover long distance racing events. Another talented horse, Mad Rush, has also been entered into the Melbourne Cup by his trainer, although the local celebrities, such as Littorio and Efficient, will be trying to fight off the foreign competitors to see a local horse win the 2008 Melbourne Cup.
After handing the Caulfield Cup trophy to an international competitor, Australia will be looking to ensure that the Melbourne Cup does not suffer the same fate. With a tough field of horses and so many deserving and talented entries, the Melbourne Cup is anticipated to be one of the most exciting and riveting horse racing events of the year.
