LEXUS Melbourne Cup nominations closed Tuesday with 174 horses nominated for the A$8 million handicap over 3,200 metres.

This is the same number as last year, though down are the international entries. With the introduction of more onerous conditions following the death of Anthony Van Dyck, international nominations, which numbered 30 last year are half that at 15.

Significantly, both Godolphin and Ballydoyle are absent, though two-time winner Joseph O’Brien has four entries.

“It just shows the pull of the Melbourne Cup and I know we have introduced measures around veterinary diagnostic imaging, but it just shows you people from around the world want to win the Melbourne Cup,” said the Victorian Racing Club’s Leigh Jordon.

“There are also a great lot of local horses. A very strong batch. I think the nominations are great. We’ve got 174 nominations, which is exactly the same numbers as last year. Some thought we might struggle to get any or many (international) nominations with what’s happening this year, but we’ve got 15 and there is some quality there. I think if we can get three or four runners, I think that’s a big result.”

Caulfield

The Caulfield Cup has received nine international entries and the Cox Plate four. In all, 16 internationally trained horses hold 28 entries across the three major spring races.

Leading the Irish charge is Joseph O’Brien with Baron Samedi, Benaud, Master Of Reality and last year’s winner Twilight Payment. Interestingly, Lloyd Williams had already shipped out two other Cup horses from Joseph’s stable, Dawn Patrol and Pondus.

The pair, along with the Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial winner Cormorant and Point Nepean, arrived in Melbourne two weeks ago.

Johnny Murtagh has dual entries with Mirann and Sonnyboyliston, while Lone Eagle is an entry for Martyn Meade. Repeat visitor Willlie Mullins has nominated Stratum Albion.

An upbeat Paul Bloodworth, Racing Victoria’s international manager, had a positive spin of the new requirements.

“We will review all the new requirements and that it is why from my perspective it is important we get a few horses go through the process this year to identify any issues and find out if there are options going into the future.”