Japanese Horses Unlikely to Run in Melbourne Cup

In 2006 Japanese trained stablemates Delta Blues and Pop Rock came first and second in the Melbourne Cup. They were the only two Japanese horses to ever compete in the Melbourne Cup and connections were keen to bring them out the following year. However in 2007 there was an outbreak of equine influenza in Australia that was traced back to Japan and overseas horses were not allowed to race.

The quarantine bans still applied for the 2008 Melbourne Cup too, but as early as July 2008 racing officials began discussions with Japanese connections wanting to aim at the 2009 Melbourne Cup. When nominations were released early in August 2009, Japanese trainer Akira Murayama had nominated three horses (Hokko Pas de Chat, Spring Burrell and Three Orion) and Hideyuki Takaoka had nominated Jolie’s Shinju. However it is extremely unlikely that any of the Japanese horses will get to run.

The Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) are unlikely to finalise quarantine protocols for Japanese horses until after the Melbourne Cup has been run and won. Import risk assessments are being conducted for all countries and won’t be finalized until later in the year, or even until early next year.

The bio-security rules are also going to have an impact on Australian horses that have been racing overseas and wish to return home. For instance Scenic Blast may go to Japan for the Sprinters Stakes in early October. It appears he will have to travel via a third country and have 60 days after running in the race before he can return to Australia.

Jo Jackson

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