Yeats out of Melbourne Cup

Racing Victoria Limited (RVL) today received official notification that star Irish stayer Yeats would not be coming to Melbourne for the 2006 Spring Racing Carnival.

RVL Director of Racing Operations Leigh Jordon this afternoon received word from the connections of Yeats stating that they would not be bringing the six-year-old to Australia following his surprise defeat as a long odds-on favourite in the Irish St Leger.

Jordon said Sunday’s run, in which he finished a half-length second to the John Oxxtrained Kastoria, had disappointed trainer Aidan O’Brien and the owners, who believed that Yeats had peaked for the Ascot Gold Cup and Goodwood Cup, leaving him flat for the St Leger.

The owners consider it in the horse’s best interests not to subject him to the long flight and quarantine required for an Emirates Melbourne Cup assault.

RVL is disappointed this year’s original top weight will not be coming to Melbourne this spring.

“We are extremely disappointed with the news given the horse’s credentials and the worldwide interest his presence would have brought to the 2006 Spring Racing Carnival,” Jordon said.

He has not given up hope of Yeats contesting the Melbourne Cup in the future. Jordon said the owners indicated that the Emirates Melbourne Cup would be a part of Yeats’ 2007 program.

Related Article:

The Punting Guru - Week #13 (Fri Sep 15)

•  Have a view on this story? Send us your feedback!