No fewer than 140 thoroughbreds, from seven different countries, have been entered for the 2017 Gr1 Emirates Melbourne Cup, with the “Race Which Stops A Nation” due to be run at Flemington on 7 November.

The $6.25 million (or over R64 000 000) Melbourne Cup has attracted no fewer than 31 overseas entries this year (the 3200m handicap drew the same number last year), including Gr1 Gold Cup/Irish St Leger winner Order Of St George (Galileo), who recently won the Gr3 Irish St Leger Trial for a third year running.

Other overseas entries of note include recent Betfred Ebor Handicap winner Nakeeta (Sixties Icon), former Italian champion Dylan Mouth (Dylan Thomas), Francis Of Assisi (Danehill Dancer), French Gr1 winner Johannes Vermeer (Galileo), Belmont Gold Cup winner Red Cardinal (Montjeu), fairystory galloper Tiberian (Tiberius Caesar) former Gr1 Irish St Leger hero Wicklow Brave (Beat Hollow) and 2016 Gr1 Investec Derby runner up US Army Ranger (Galileo).

Max Dynamite (Great Journey), beaten just half a length into second in the 2015 Melbourne Cup, is potentially another interesting international contender.

Possible Melbourne Cup runners with South African connections include Marmelo (a son of Drakenstein Stud’s resident stallion Duke Of Marmalade) and Rekindling (High Chaparral). The latter is a full brother to Golden Sword, sire of the now Dubai based filly Belle Rose. Duke Of Marmalade’s half-brother Annus Mirabilis (Montjeu) has also been nominated for the 2017 Melbourne Cup.

Local stars nominated for the Cup include dual Oaks winner Egg Tart (Sebring), Australian Derby winner Jon Snow (Iffraaj), and multiple Gr1 winner Yankee Rose (All American), while Who Shot Thebarman (Yamanin Vital) returns for his fourth crack at the Cup.

Last year’s Melbourne Cup winner Almandin (Monsun) is also among the 140 horses nominated, as are Hartnell (Authorized) and Qewy (Street Cry), third and fourth respectively in the same race last year.
Racing Victoria’s general manager Greg Carpenter was delighted by the quality of the potential overseas runners, saying, “I am very encouraged by the number of international trainers with entries who have not travelled to Melbourne before, and we look forward to welcoming them here and showcasing what the Spring Racing Carnival has to offer.”
The weights for the 2017 Melbourne Cup will be unveiled on September 12th. 

Images Racing.com