New nomination deadline for Caulfield and Melbourne Cups

FOR the first time in seven years, nominations for the Caulfield Cup and Melbourne Cup will close on the same day.

FOR the first time in seven years, nominations for the Caulfield Cup and Melbourne Cup will close on the same day.

Racing Victoria has announced nominations for this year’s Caulfield Cup (2400m) and Melbourne Cup (3200m) will close on August 29, meaning the Caulfield Cup nomination deadline has been pushed back three weeks from recent years. Weights for both races will be released on September 12.

“The return to a common nomination deadline for the Cups avoids confusion for owners and trainers given the similar horse pool and provides greater convenience by eliminating an additional date from the Caulfield Cup nomination process,” RV Executive General Manager of Racing, Greg Carpenter, said.

Almandin, left, is expected to return to defend his Melbourne Cup crown in the spring. Picture: George Salpigtidis

“The later date for the Caulfield Cup nomination is also significant for international connections as it now falls after the last of the international Caulfield Cup guaranteed-start races, which ensures all of these horses have the opportunity to nominate in the knowledge their place in the final field is assured.”

The Caulfield Cup will be run on October 21, with the Melbourne Cup on November 7.

Nominations for the weight-for-age Cox Plate close on August 8.

Godolphin crisis

AN explosive interview in the Racing Post this week has led to Godolphin chief executive and racing manager John Ferguson resigning.

Ferguson said the position he held for 18 months was untenable after Godolphin trainer Saeed bin Suroor said in the article he had bypassed him and reported directly to Sheik Mohammed.

The article also reported tensions between Godolphin trainers Bin Suroor and Charlie Appleby.

Leaders salute

LEADER Beau Mertens and Craig Williams each rode a winner at Sandown yesterday to maintain the one-win gap between them in the jockeys’ premiership.

Williams won on Sayed and Mertens on Don’tbabylon.

Lindsay Park moved to 99 city winners for the season when it was successful with Invictum Donna.

Jessica Payne rode her first city winner for the year, and her first as a senior jockey, on Ashlee Marie.

Originally published as New nomination deadline for Caulfield and Melbourne Cups