Weld has Melbourne Cup in mind for one horse

Tom Walter - Tuesday July 25

Legendary Irish trainer Dermot Weld could have his first Melbourne Cup runner since 2012 when the first Tuesday of November rolls around.

Dermot Weld.

Speaking on Radio TAB on Tuesday, Weld was coy about which horse is in contention for Australia's biggest race but confirmed interest in the race nonetheless.

"There's a few possibilities, we've got one horse in particular but I don't want to say anything for another few weeks," Weld said.

"Basically, I don't have any standout horses sadly but we've got one in mind put it that way.

"We've got to see him win a certain race in a few weeks' time. All will be revealed."

Weld's last Melbourne Cup contestant was Galileo Gold, which finished 20th behind Green Moon five years ago.

Weld is said to have pioneered the globalisation of Flemington's 3200-metre event after winning with Vintage Crop in 1993 before returning nine years later to win with Media Puzzle – famous for providing jockey Damien Oliver with some consolation in the week of the death of his brother Jason.

Meanwhile, another UK galloper, Big Orange, will forego the opportunity to run in a third consecutive Melbourne Cup according to trainer Michael Bell.

Bell told Radio TAB that Big Orange's rating would be too high for the handicap conditions of the Melbourne Cup after winning the Ascot Gold Cup during the Royal Ascot carnival last month.

The son of Duke Of Marmalade finished fifth in the 2015 edition of the Melbourne Cup before a 10th place finish last year.

Bell is currently preparing Big Orange for a record-equalling third Group I Goodwood Cup (2m) next week.

Advertisment
More Reading...
More Group Success for Kiwi Bred Western Empire
The resurgence of a former superstar of Perth racing continued when Western Empire lived up to his $1.85 favouritism in Saturday’s Gr.3 Furphy Belmont Sprint (1400m).
Estijaab's Daughter Ejaabiyah Second at Newbury
After hacking up by six lengths at her only start at two, Ejaabiyah, a daughter of Frankel and the Golden Slipper winner Estijaab, fell two and a quarter lengths short of catching Godolphin's exciting Shamardal filly Diamond Rain in the Listed Haras De Bouquetot Fillies' Trial Stakes (10f) at Newbury on Saturday.
Stakes Filly for Golden Slipper Winner Estijaab
A $1.7million Inglis Easter purchase for Emirates Park, Snitzel filly Estijaab won the 2018 Golden Slipper for Emirates Park before embarking on a stud career in the Northern Hemisphere and her first born Frankel filly Ejaabiyah gained Black Type on Saturday in the UK when finishing a good second in the Listed Newbury Fillies Trial Stakes (1m2f)
Ciaron Maher Cheers On Melbourne Cup Hopeful at Newbury
The Melbourne Cup remains in play for Middle Earth and his new part owner, Ciaron Maher, after making a successful 2024 bow in the Group III Aston Park Stakes at Newbury.
New Era for Dawn and Peter Williams
It will be the dawn of a new era for Byerley Park trainers Peter and Dawn Williams, as they get set to enter into the next stage of life after announcing their retirement from racing.
FBAA Mentorship Program - Three Candidates
The FBAA is proud to announce the selection of three mentees to participate in the inaugural FBAA Mentorship Program commencing June 1st 2024. The foundation of the two-month program is to provide aspiring bloodstock agents with a formal pathway towards professional development in the bloodstock industry, whilst fostering education and encouraging best practice.
Thoroughbreds are Go Returns to Sky on Monday Night
Caroline Searcy’s informative and entertaining thoroughbred re-homing television program Thoroughbreds Are Go (TAG) returns for Series 1 in 2024 this Monday night May 20.
Seize The Grey and D Wayne Lukas Triumph in Preakness Stakes
There will be no Triple Crown winner this year after Kentucky Derby hero Mystik Dan played second fiddle to Seize the Grey in the 149th Preakness Stakes at a muddy Pimlico Race Course and credited 88-year-old legend D Wayne Lukas with his seventh winner of the race, 44-years after his first with Codex.
One to Watch – Sunshine Coast
A $50,000 juvenile event over 1400m at the Sunshine Coast on Sunday drew a very competitive big field of 14 and the dominant winner was a son of Doncaster winner Brutal.
140 entries for 2017 Melbourne Cup
Can a horse trained in Scotland win a Melbourne Cup?