Equine Influenza in Australia could affect Melbourne Cup

The spread of equine influenza in Australia may cause the country's most prestigious race, the Melbourne Cup (Aust-I), to be run two weeks later than its customary date for the first time in the 120-year history of the event.

The equine virus is spreading throughout Australia, and there will not be any racing or movement of horses in the country for at least another week. This prompted officials with Racing Victoria, host of the fabled group I Melbourne Cup, to consider postponing the race two weeks. It is traditionally run the first Tuesday in November.

At last call, 47 horses had tested positive for equine influenza in New South Wales and three were ill in Queensland. Those numbers may escalate as horses across the country continue to be tested.

Peter McGauran, the Federal Minister For Fisheries and Agriculture, confirmed the Melbourne Cup may be moved if racing doesn't commence in Victoria before September.

“It is better to have a deferred Cup than no Cup at all,” McGauran said.

The gambling agencies in Australia estimate close to $300 million will be lost if racing does not resume by Saturday. That figure, however, pales in comparison with the breeding season equation.