A decision will be made in the next 48 hours on whether Oscar Schindler and Court Of Honour are allowed into Australia to contest the A$2.2 million Melbourne Cup (3,200m) at Flemington on November 5. There is a possibility that Australian quarantine officials, who are amongst the most security conscious in the world, will move to prevent their import into the country. The doubt has arisen following an outbreak of equine influenza in France.
The problem has been aggravated by suggestion that the Ian Balding stable's Grey Shot, who arrived in Melbourne two days ago, has a bronchial infection. But the Victoria Racing Club's racing manager Les Benton was optimistic, saying, 'I've had discussions with the quarantine people and we are monitoring the situation closely. 'The next day or two will be vital but I am a super optimist and I am confident there will not be any disruption to the plans of Oscar Schindler and Court Of Honour.' Oscar Schindler, who is to be ridden in the Cup by the Hong Kong-based Michael Kinane, and the Robert Sangster-owned Court Of Honour are currently scheduled to arrive in Melbourne on Wednesday morning. If Oscar Schindler can not race in the Cup, an alternative would be the International Vase (2,400m) at Sha Tin in December. Apprentice Alex K. S. Yu beat the deadline by 30 minutes as he lodged notice of his intention to appeal against his 28-day ban for a serious breach of the Rules of Racing. Yu spent an hour yesterday afternoon with his master, trainer Steven S. L. Leung, before going to the Jockey Club headquarters to lodge his appeal notice.
