THE VRC will drive a push to restore the original name of Melbourne Cup favourite Yucatan Ire before next week’s race.
The Aidan O’Brien international was forced into a name change despite racing under his original name — Yucatan — is his Herbert Power Stakes win at Caulfield this month because there is an active horse in Australia also named Yucatan.
NUMBERS GAME: WILLIAMS UNDAUNTED BY CUP INJURY TOLL
DERBY DAY: EARLY TIPS FOR THE MAIN RACES
VOTE NOW: WHO IS YOUR FAVOURITE RACEHORSE?
The Murray Bridge trainer of the Australian Yucatan. Matthew Seyers, said he had no issue with the name clash.
“I’d be happy for him (the Irish Yucatan) to keep his name to be honest,” Seyers said.
“We’re probably not at the same level as that horse and it would be good to see that horse run in the Cup as Yucatan.
“We’re probably a month or five weeks off from starting him anyway so I can’t see it being an issue.”
Australian horse Yucatan with Murray Bridge trainer Matthew Seyers. Picture: Russell MillardSource:Supplied
Under the Australian rules of racing, international visitors must alter their names if they clash with local gallopers.
VRC racing manager Leigh Jordan said a submission would be made to revert Yucantan Ire to its former name.
“Of course we would,” Jordan said on RSN 927.
“Barry (O’Farrell, Racing Australia chief executive) says it’s no good so let’s change it and move on. I’ll obviously follow it up with Racing Victoria to see if they can change it before then.
“It’s just silly. It just shouldn’t happen. Overseas it wouldn’t happen.”
The Irish Yucatan winning at Caulfield. Picture: Michael KleinSource:News Corp Australia
Seyers purchased Yucatan at the Adelaide Magic Millions yearling sale in March last year.
The three-year-old gelding has raced once, finishing seventh and beaten six lengths at Morphettville in June.
Seyers said one of the owners came up with the name Yucatan.
“I think it came from some meteorite — he’s by Doomsday — and some meteorite wiped out the dinosaurs and is was in the Yucatan peninsula.”
Seyers said Yucatan will have a jumpout on November 15 with an aim of returning to the track in early December.
Originally published as Push to resolve name clash for Cup favourite
Source: Read Full Article