Twenty-nine international thoroughbreds are being quarantined at the Werribee Racecourse ahead of this year’s Spring Racing Carnival.
A flight with the horses on board arrived at Tullamarine Airport earlier this month.
The racehorses completed a mandatory two-week quarantine period at facilities in the United Kingdom and Ireland, before coming to Australia.
Some of the horses being housed at TAB International Horse Centre in Werribee will compete in the Stella Artois Caulfield Cup Day on Saturday.
Racing Victoria’s General Manager – International and Racing Operations, Paul Bloodworth, said: “It’s very pleasing to see such a high-quality group of horses arrive here in Melbourne to contest some of Australia’s greatest races.
“Despite the additional challenges that 2020 has presented, the show of support from some of the world’s leading stables once again proves what tremendous value they place on Victoria’s Spring Racing Carnival, and the high esteem in which it is held across the globe.
“With no spectators currently allowed on racetracks in Victoria, it is vitally important that the quality of our racing remains extremely high for TV audiences here, and indeed across the world, to enjoy.
“I’m confident that the combination of an elite international presence and a very strong local contingent will ensure that this year’s Spring Racing Carnival commands great interest for racing fans and punters alike.”
One well-known horse living in the Werribee stables is Prince of Arran, who finished third in the 2018 Melbourne Cup and second last year.
Trainer Charlie Fellowes has indicated that Prince Of Arran will contest the Caulfield Cup before his third tilt at the $8 million Melbourne Cup on November 3.
