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SYDNEY - The success of the Japanese horses in the Melbourne Cup has revived the ambition to get northern hemisphere-trained runners to Sydney in the autumn.
The Sydney Turf Club (STC) is keen to attract northern runners for the group one BMW Stakes (2400m), but only the best will do.
STC chief executive Michael Kenny said the club would continue its push to have northern horses compete in the BMW but they would have to warrant an invitation.
"We pay A$50,000 ($58,000) down to 10th place and we will pay all horse costs including accommodation and transport," Kenny said.
"Obviously the timing of the World Cup in Dubai is crucial but if the races fall right, then it can be done.
"We don't want to be flooded with imports but we do want to get the quality 2400-metre horses. We will be encouraging trainers in Japan to nominate horses."
The STC has a fully equipped quarantine facility at Canterbury Racecourse to accommodate the visitors.
That might not be necessary if the push from Victoria to get horses to Melbourne for the Australian Cup in March is successful. The horses would have served their quarantine period by the time the BMW came around.
The BMW is run on Golden Slipper day which is the week before Easter and will be held next year on March 31.
Japan's Delta Blues won the Melbourne Cup this month from stablemate Pop Rock.
- AAP
