International horses enter quarantine for Melbourne Cup races

Seven international horses have entered pre-export quarantine in the United Kingdom and Ireland ahead of the 2026 Spring Racing Carnival in Melbourne. The group includes Joseph O’Brien’s Kizlyar, Omni Man, Small Fry, and Starford, as well as Roger Varian’s Enfjaar in Ireland. In England, Harry Charlton’s Wine Dark Sea and Ciaron Maher’s Point Of Law have also begun isolation.

All seven horses are nominated for both the $6 million Caulfield Cup on October 17 and the $10 million Melbourne Cup. They have successfully passed initial veterinary protocols, including distal limb scans and physical examinations. According to Racing Victoria head of racing Paul Bloodworth, the horses must undergo a final examination in pre-export quarantine before traveling to Australia.

The initial shipment is expected to arrive in Melbourne during the final weekend of the month, ensuring eligibility for the Caulfield Cup. Among the contenders, Enfjaar and Wine Dark Sea are currently noted as the shortest-priced international entries.