Proposed Caulfield Carnival Changes Not Well Received

Thoroughbred Racehorse Owners Association Chairman Jonathan Munz said on Monday that owners were against the proposal to run the Caulfield Carnival after the Melbourne Cup Carnival as it would be 'effectively wrecking the national racing calendar'.

"The MRC proposal is ill-advised and self-indulgent and not in the interests of the racing industry as a whole," Jonathan Munz told Racing.com.

"It is just not sensible to run the major Caulfield Cup Carnival races after Melbourne Cup Week and take away a whole series of important lead-up races.

"Just as importantly, that would result in there not being enough time to get horses ready for the Autumn Carnival.

"MRC would be effectively wrecking the national racing calendar and pattern to just potentially benefit one race day."

The Australian Trainers' Association holds a similar view fearing far reaching effects of any change for Caulfield given the decision by the VRC to remain with their traditional Melbourne Cup date and likewise the MVRC with the Cox Plate.

Munz praised RV for their efforts to keep racing going in the state during the pandemic, but fears the potential disruption resulting from movement of the Caulfield Cup.

"RVL has done a great job keeping racing open and that good work needs to continue," Munz said.

"Now is not the time to cause further disruption. We need to reinforce confidence in owners, trainers and racing fans and focus on getting back to normal as soon as possible. That of course includes maintaining prizemoney at normal levels.

"Racing Australia has announced a review of the annual racing program and pattern, which will provide the opportunity for input by all parties and that is the appropriate forum for MRC to be suggesting any changes."