Top jockey Declan Bates calls for change to Melbourne Cup weights after James McDonald misses out on 2024 ride
Top jockey Declan Bates has called on Racing Victoria to consider adjusting weights for the Melbourne Cup in future after a tumultuous build-up to Tuesday’s race.
The 36-year-old booked a ride aboard Manzoice on Saturday after his original runner Mahrajaan was ruled out of the $8.5m feature.
It will come at a cost, however, with Bates set to ride at 51kg — the closest he can possibly get to Manzoice’s 50kg weight.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.“Because he had 50kg, I didn’t go chasing the ride, but I think they were struggling to find someone because they called up and asked what weight I could ride at,” he told Racing.com.
“I said 51kg would be my minimum, and they were happy to have me on even being a kilo over.
“It’s great, it’s a Chris Waller horse, he’s a master trainer, and it’s a Melbourne Cup ride. You’ve certainly got to make the most of it.”
Last year’s winner Without A Fight was handed topweight of 58.5kg for the 2024 edition while Cox Plate winner Via Sistina was given 56kg.
Neither will take part in the Melbourne Cup, however, with Vauban instead leading the way at 55.5kg.
There are no rules enforcing weights to be raised and adjusted on the fly when topweights are ruled out after acceptance.
But Bates believes it is a discussion worth having to ensure the Melbourne Cup is no longer behind the times and continues to feature the cream of the crop.
“The public want to see the best jockeys,” he said.
“But from our perspective it’s all about taking the opportunities you get. It’s good to see some lightweight jockeys taking advantage of the situation, and I guess that’s what I’ve done as well.
“But in 2024, there’s not as many jockeys walking around at 50kg as there were maybe 30 years ago.
“People are a lot bigger in general now, and I think the weights should reflect that.”
Notably, 2021 Melbourne Cup winner James McDonald has been left without a ride following Via Sistina’s withdrawal.
The 32-year-old rides at 55kg and has made only rare exceptions.
He put in what he said was the “bit of extra work” required to get down to 54kg last year to ride the Waller-trained Francesco Guardi in the Caulfield Cup.
It was the first time he had ridden a horse carrying that weight since March 2021.
Originally published on 7NEWS Sport
