The Melbourne Cup is an annual horse racing event held in Australia on the first Tuesday of November. It is one of the most prestigious and iconic horse races in the world, and it is the richest two-mile handicap in the world with a total prize pool of A$8 million.
The race is run over two miles (3.2 km) at Flemington Racecourse, and it is one of the most beloved events in the country. Thousands of people attend each year, with millions more watching from home. The Melbourne Cup has been run since 1861, and it is one of the few events that stops the nation, with the race broadcast live on television and radio.
Horses Scratched from the 2021 Melbourne Cup
The 2021 Melbourne Cup will be held on Tuesday, 2 November 2021. With the race still several months away, there have been no horses scratched from the event yet.
However, it is not uncommon for horses to be scratched from the Melbourne Cup due to injury or illness. Horses can also be scratched if they do not meet the qualification criteria for the race.
Qualification Criteria for the Melbourne Cup
In order for a horse to be eligible for the Melbourne Cup, it must meet the following criteria:
- Age – The horse must be three-years-old or older.
- Weight – The horse must carry a minimum weight of 49 kg, and a maximum weight of 57.5 kg.
- Performance – The horse must have achieved a certain level of performance in the year prior to the race.
How Horses Are Scratched From the Melbourne Cup
The horse’s trainer and/or owner can request that their horse be scratched from the Melbourne Cup. The request must then be approved by the stewards of the race. If a horse is scratched, the owner and/or trainer will receive a refund of the entry fee.
Reasons for Being Scratched
There are several reasons why a horse might be scratched from the Melbourne Cup. These include:
- Injury or Illness – If a horse is injured or ill, it may need to be scratched from the race in order to ensure its safety and well-being.
- Age – If a horse has not reached the minimum age requirement for the race, it will not be allowed to compete.
- Weight – If a horse does not meet the weight requirements, it will not be allowed to compete.
- Performance – If a horse has not achieved the necessary level of performance in the year prior to the race, it will not be allowed to compete.
What Happens When a Horse Is Scratched?
When a horse is scratched from the Melbourne Cup, the owners and/or trainers will receive a refund of their entry fee. The horse will also be replaced in the field by another horse.
What Are the Consequences of Being Scratched?
If a horse is scratched from the Melbourne Cup, it can have a major impact on the horse’s connections. The owners and/or trainers may have to forfeit any winnings they would have made from the race, and they may also miss out on the opportunity to win the prestigious trophy.
How to Avoid Being Scratched
Horses can be scratched from the Melbourne Cup for a variety of reasons, but there are some steps that owners and trainers can take to try and avoid it. These include:
- Regular Check-Ups – Owners and trainers should ensure their horses are given regular check-ups to ensure they remain healthy and fit.
- Training – Horses should be regularly trained to ensure they are in peak physical condition.
- Qualifying Races – Horses should compete in qualifying races to ensure they meet the performance criteria for the Melbourne Cup.
What to Do if a Horse Is Scratched
If a horse is scratched from the Melbourne Cup, the owners and/or trainers should contact the stewards of the race as soon as possible. The stewards can offer advice and assistance on what to do next, and they may also be able to offer a refund of the entry fee.
Conclusion
At this point in time, no horses have been scratched from the 2021 Melbourne Cup. However, it is not uncommon for horses to be scratched from the event due to injury, illness, age, weight or performance. If a horse is scratched, the owners and/or trainers should contact the stewards of the race to seek advice and assistance. There are also steps that owners and trainers can take to try and avoid their horse being scratched, such as ensuring their horse is given regular check-ups and is properly trained.