In the early morning, when frost is still icing the grass, multimillion-dollar thoroughbred horses from around the world find comfort in the sandpits and tracks of Werribee racecourse.
Watching are Australian trainers such as Gai Waterhouse and international experts including Saeed Bin Suroor, on behalf of the United Arab Emirates’ stable Godolphin with Melbourne Cup contender Royal Empire.
About 20 overseas thoroughbreds are at Werribee, which has been the quarantine facility for international horses since 2010.
PICTURE GALLERY: Werrribee quarantine facility
These horses will make up most of this year’s Melbourne Cup field, according to racecourse manager Ross Kendell.
Once destined for closure, Werribee racecourse has had a major turnaround since it won a $10 million refurbishment grant, which included construction of a quarantine facility to replace those at Sandown.
Mr Kendell wants Wyndham residents to see internationally renowned horses in daily parades and track work before they compete in the big stakes. The ritual starts just after dawn where the steeds parade, some rolling in sandpits before stirring up dust in track work. Anyone is allowed to visit without compromising quarantine requirements.
In its third year, the quarantine facility has its hopes pinned on the likes of Dunaden, which won the 2011 Melbourne Cup and 2012 Caulfield Cup, as well as other horses.
“People argue that the Melbourne Cup should just be for local horses,’’ Mr Kendell said.
‘‘Well, why do you have [Roger] Federer [in the Australian Tennis Open]; this is showing you have competed and won against the world’s best.”
The quarantine facility uses multiple measures to ensure diseases do not escape into the general horse population.
» Werribee Racing Club will hold a charity event from 7-9.30am tomorrow, with the 2013 Melbourne Cup on display. Details: 9741 1800.
