Legendary trainer Dermot Weld has backed the recent changes to the Melbourne Cup.
Weld opened the Melbourne Cup to the world when Vintage Crop won in 1993 which saw the Cup become a truly international contest and sparked a wave of European entrants chasing the big prize money on offer.
Weld told the Herald Sun last year that more must be done in Europe before horses left their home countries to compete in the Melbourne Cup including a full body scan and a CT scan of their fetlock joints.
“I gave you a few comments last year, and from what you are telling me now, I am very glad they have implemented the suggestions that I made,” Weld, told the Herald Sun.
“It is interesting that they have more or less followed through on the suggestions that I made and I am very happy they have done so.
“I just made my suggestions to be helpful and I hope it all works out well for everybody.”
One of the most controversial decisions made by Racing Victoria was that international horses could only have one start in Australia prior to contesting the Melbourne Cup which Weld had no problems with.
“No problems there, I wouldn’t see that as a problem.” Weld said.
Demot Weld’s last runner in the race was Galileo’s Choice who finished 20th in 2012.
