Updated ,first published
In today’s Melbourne Cup briefing:
- Trainer Nick Ryan stood down after syringes found.
- Fellow riders back Harry Coffey to take hi ride in Melbourne Cup.
- Irish trainer has five Cup runners but no luggage.
Trainer Nick Ryan has been stood down and a vet questioned by stewards in a case involving the alleged discovery of syringes in a glove box.
Ryan has been charged with possessing a prohibited man-made substance that mimics EPO.
Two syringes containing Darbepoetin Alfa were allegedly discovered in Ryan’s car outside his Flemington stable on Saturday morning.
Stewards released a statement on Monday, saying Ryan’s license to train horses had been suspended effective immediately pending the resumption of their inquiries. They also said separate evidence was taken from equine vet Dr Luke Campbell about his “conduct at the time of Saturday’s stable inspection”.
Stewards will continue their inquiries with Ryan and Campbell at a date to be fixed. Horses under Ryan’s care will be transferred to other stables.
At Monday’s inquiry, stewards took evidence from Ryan’s legal representative. Stewards accepted documented evidence that Ryan was not able to attend. Stewards adjourned the matter for 28 days after an application by Ryan’s legal representative.
Campbell has been contacted for comment.
Separately, Racing Victoria (RV) veterinarians on Monday completed their second round of pre-race physical veterinary inspections of all horses in the final field for tomorrow’s $10.2 million Melbourne Cup (3200m) at Flemington. All 24 horses were passed suitable to race.
Jockeys rally behind Coffey’s Cup bid
Peter Ryan
Jockey Rachel King admires fellow hoop Harry Coffey’s desperate effort to ride Shockletz in the Melbourne Cup after injuring his collarbone in a fall on Saturday and is confident he won’t take the ride unless he knows he can perform at his best.
The Sydney-based rider, who is aboard So You Are in the Cup, said Coffey had the support of jockeys as he tried to get his body right for the race.
“All credit to him if he can definitely get there by tomorrow,” King said on Monday.
“They always say jockeys are made of different stuff, and he’s kind of proving that.
“I know how determined he will be to get back there. He won’t do it unless he can be there 100 per cent fit and healthy.”
Coffey, who won the Caulfield Cup on Duke De Sessa for Ciaron Maher in 2024, had a procedure on Sunday to fix the shoulder that he hurt when his mount Pondalowie clipped heels and tumbled in the Empire Rose Stakes.
Maher, who trains Shockletz, was prepared to keep the door ajar for Coffey to take the mount, which is considered a strong lightweight chance in the race.
Cup-winning jockey James McDonald said on Monday he understood Coffey’s mindset and his refusal to give up the battle to be fit.
“He’s tougher than most of us,” McDonald said. “It’s like a grand final for us … we get up for anything.”
Coffey rode Port Guillaume into 21st place in the 2021 Cup and finished 14th on Grand Promenade in 2022. Michael Dee is on standby to take the mount if Coffey’s bid fails.
Pondalowie also rose to her feet and returned to her stable fit and well on Saturday night.
Luggage lost in transit as International trainers arrive to plunder Cups
Peter Ryan
Irish trainer Joseph O’Brien is confident his five runners will perform in Tuesday’s Melbourne Cup, but he is not so sure what he will be wearing at Flemington after his luggage was mislaid in transit during his trip from America.
The baby-faced trainer was not fussed, however, as he arrived at Crown Casino for the Call of the Card, where JP McManus – owner of O’Brien runners Trustyourinstinct and Goodie Two Shoes – was expected to heavily back his runners.
As expected, O’Brien gave little away as to which of his five runners he preferred most. But he did say he was not fussed if there was rain and emphasised that he took little notice as to which of his horses punters favoured.
“The market is the market,” O’Brien said. “I find in a race like the Melbourne Cup, and big handicaps in general, it’s the one who gets the perfect trip and things set up for them good on the day that ultimately will matter.”
O’Brien is looking to become the youngest trainer from outside Australia to win the race three times having already won Cups with Rekindling in 2017 and Twilight Payment in 2020.
He expected his longest shot Kizlyar to improve on his disappointing Moonee Valley Cup run when he finished down the track in a slow race.
O’Brien said Geelong Cup winner Point of Law, who Ciaron Maher trains, could not have done any more since he arrived in Australia and deserved to start favourite.
“He beat two smart horses in Small Fry and Omni Man, and he is the one everyone has to beat,” O’Brien said.
Boom UK trainer, George Boughey, who also arrived without his luggage on the same flight as O’Brien, said he preferred dry conditions for Hopewell Rock, who has excited track watchers during his time in Australia.
He will be ridden by Zac Lloyd and be Boughey’s first Melbourne Cup runner. He was working for Gai Waterhouse in 2013 when Fiorente won the Cup.
“His stamina is his forte. He has never run 3200m, but I think it was he is made to do,” Boughey said. “When he didn’t become a Derby horse last year, I earmarked him to come down here.
Sydney trainer Chris Waller told the Call of the Card crowd Soul of Spain would need to improve to win after finishing midfield in the Caulfield Cup, but said he rated Asterix a live chance.
Bjorn Baker was in good form as he extolled the chances of So You Are, who made it into the field after his Bendigo Cup win last start.
“He’s not the quickest horse [in the race] but he is tough, he is fit, he is well and he has got a great gate,” Baker said.
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