No logic in Cup lockdown proposal, says Cummings

by Patrick Bartley

Australia's greatest trainer, Bart Cummings, yesterday condemned a proposed lockdown of Melbourne Cup runners 24 hours before the race.

Cummings said the Canadian system of lockdowns was an insult to horses and ''was a case of putting dollars ahead of the thoroughbred''.

There was outrage yesterday at a suggestion by Racing Victoria Ltd chief steward Terry Bailey that RVL examine locking up the entire field on the eve of the Cup.

''Are they serious?'' Cummings said.

''Let's think about who would come up with an idea like that. It must be an accountant. He's thought to himself, well, we can save on 24 armed guards and just use one and put them in a big barn. And it's the old story, saving money and putting the horse last.

Click here to read the full article from The Age.