Leading trainer David Hayes calls for seven Melbourne Cup ‘golden tickets’ to help locals

CHAMPION trainer David Hayes has proposed a five-week, seven-race ‘Golden Ticket’ series which would guarantee the winners of each race automatic entry into the Melbourne Cup.

Trainer David Hayes wants to shake up Victorian racing. Picture: AAP

CHAMPION trainer David Hayes has proposed a five-week, seven-race ‘Golden Ticket’ series which would guarantee the winners of each race automatic entry into the Melbourne Cup.

With a record level of internationally-trained entrants this year — possibly half the field — and growing disquiet about the local representation in the race, Hayes believes a restructuring of the incentives can address those concerns and enhance the quality of those events.

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Trainer David Hayes wants to shake up Victorian racing. Picture: AAP

Stressing that he supported the internationalisation of the Melbourne Cup, the man who trained Jeune to win the race in 1994 wants to see the VRC add the Herbert Power Stakes, the Moonee Valley Gold Cup and the Geelong Cup to the four races which already provide a ‘Golden Ticket’ into the Melbourne Cup.

The only four Australian races which provide direct pathway are The Bart Cummings, the Caulfield Cup, the Cox Plate and the Hotham Handicap.

“I am not an administrator, but I think it would be terrific if you could add the Herbert Power, the Moonee Valley Cup and the Geelong Cup — providing the winners with Golden Tickets,” Hayes said.

“There would be a bigger build-up to each of the races with a big focus on the Melbourne Cup.

“It would be the biggest promotion the VRC could get without actually spending a cent.”

Such a move would give local trainers a better chance to qualify their horses, but may also entice borderline internationals to look at those events.

“I am pro-internationals, but the way our horses are handicapped, we are disadvantaged getting into the Cup,” he said.

“I am not kidding myself, I think they (the visitors) are superior, but a lot of the internationals run in the race when they couldn’t beat the locals.”

Hayes wants to level the playing field for Aussie horses like Vega Magic. Picture: James Croucher

Hayes’ Ventura Storm is currently 27th in order of entry, but likely to get a run. His other significant hope Jaameh must win next Saturday’s Hotham Handicap to leap into the field.

“He will run next Saturday and try and go in the old-fashioned way,” Hayes said of Jaameh, who narrowly missed a Melbourne Cup spot when second to Avilius in the Bart Cummings.

Hayes acknowledged there was “competitiveness” between the Victorian racing clubs, but said a combined approach to the qualification would only serve to further promote the Cup.

Leigh Jordon, the VRC’s executive general manager of racing, said the club was looking at a range of options to improve staying programs in Melbourne.

“We are talking to Racing Victoria about different options,” Jordan said.

“We conduct the best staying race arguably in the world, so we are looking to boost all of our staying programs, not just with the Melbourne Cup.”

Mike Moroney, who trained Brew to win the 2000 Melbourne Cup, said Hayes’ suggestion had strong merit, saying it would give local trainers a better chance.

“I think it’s a really good idea,” said Moroney, whose stayer Vengeur Masque has narrowly missed the last two Cups.

“I’d support that, if they are lead-up races in the spring.”