VRC shame...It seems very obvious that the VRC is not really interested in having the BEST field that's available running in the Melbourne Cup. Its decision not to use its discretion to include the well-performed Vigor was a dereliction of its duty. And to claim, as it did, that no runner deserves being ditched is to avoid the facts of the form guide. The bookies seem to know which runners shouldn't be there. Just take a look at the prices on offer.Trainer Danny O'Brien has done his best to hide
VRC shame...It seems very obvious that the VRC is not really interested in having the BEST field that's available running in the Melbourne Cup. Its decision not to use its discretion to include the well-performed Vigor was a dereliction of its duty. And to claim, as it did, that no runner deserves being ditched is to avoid the facts of the form guide. The bookies seem to know which runners shouldn't be there. Just take a look at the prices on offer.
Trainer Danny O'Brien has done his best to hide his disappointment at Vigor's exclusion. He says he and the owners are disappointed at missing out as they were confident for most of the day he would come in at No. 24. The party was spoiled by the connections of the higher-ranked but out-of-form New Zealand galloper Gallions Reach paying the final fee. O'Brien says: 'But I don't regret not running him in the Mackinnon...He's not the sort of horse that can back up. We took our chances.'
Racing is poorer for Vigor's absence from the big race. Racing's image is poorer. But isn't this just another poor decision by administrators who sometimes seem sadly out of touch?
Chris Munce copped a suspension for careless riding on Sikka at Rosehill on Saturday, ruling him out of next weekend's Emirates Stakes day. Munce pleaded guilty and was given a five meeting suspension. It starts on Nov 6 and ends on Nov 18 when he returns at the Gosford meeting.