Godolphin duo opt out of Melbourne CupPosted on Tuesday 4th August 2020 @ 11.42

Godolphin duo Charlie Appleby and Saeed bin Suroor have confirmed they will not be entering any horses in this year's Melbourne Cup.

The duo have been well represented at Flemington Racecourse over recent years, with Appleby claiming success in the race with Cross Counter in 2018, while Bin Suroor has finished second on three occasions.

However, both trainers have now signalled to Racing Victoria that they are not planning to send any horses over this year due to concerns regarding the coronavirus pandemic, particularly as restrictions have recently been increased in the area.

Racing Victoria's general manager of international operations Paul Bloodworth confirmed the news of the duo's decision, admitting it is a disappointment for the race that they have decided to swerve this year's showpiece.

"Both Saeed and Charlie have advised over the last few days that they won't be coming to Melbourne this year," Bloodworth told racing.com.

"Charlie Appleby advised last night that because of the change to Stage 4 restrictions, he wasn't comfortable sending his staff to Melbourne and Saeed has also advised he won't be coming.

"It's a great shame. Saaed has been a regular in Australia for 30 years and Charlie certainly over the last five or six years, so it's a shame they won't be able to compete."

This year's Melbourne Cup is due to take place on November 3.

Article Posted on Tuesday 4th August 2020 @ 11.42