Melbourne Cup to be a 'very different' race this year

Daily Telegraph racing editor Ray Thomas says this year’s Melbourne Cup will be a very different event as the race is set to go ahead without spectators and owners on the grounds.

Mr Thomas said while there was sympathy for those owners unable to attend Flemington, “at least the sport has continued through COVID and I don’t think anyone in the racing industry is complaining given the economic conditions around the country”.

Despite talk a few months ago that no international horses would make it into the country to race, there were some European horses set to race today – including Anthony Van Dyck.

Tiger Moth was also gaining attention as a favourite, despite being very lightly raced, according to Mr Thomas.