Willie Mullins also enters Absurde and Hipop De Loire for Flemington showpiece.
Vauban and Absurde, trained by Willie Mullins, are once again leading the European contenders for the Lexus Melbourne Cup, set to take place at Flemington on November 5. Both horses competed in last year’s race, where Vauban, the pre-race favourite under jockey Ryan Moore, was disappointed by finishing 14th in the 23-runner field, while Absurde put in a more respectable performance, coming home seventh.
This year, Vauban earned his place with an impressive victory in the Lonsdale Cup at York, and Absurde followed suit with a win in the Listed Chester Stakes over the weekend. Mullins also has a third entry, Hipop De Loire, who finished fifth in the Ebor, adding further depth to his Melbourne Cup team.
Ireland's challenge looks formidable, with Henry de Bromhead’s Magical Zoe securing her spot through a win in the Ebor. Aidan O’Brien, renowned for his Melbourne Cup aspirations, adds even more strength to the Irish contingent with six entries, including Grosvenor Square, Illinois, Jan Brueghel, Point Lonsdale, The Equator, and The Euphrates.
While there were no British-trained runners in last year's race, this year sees a change, with Brian Ellison’s Northumberland Plate winner Onesmoothoperator and Arrest from the John and Thady Gosden team both entering. Andrew Balding's Night Sparkle and Relentless Voyager join the list, alongside French trainer Jean-Claude Rouget’s Delius.
Among the familiar names is Without A Fight, who won the Melbourne Cup last year after leaving Britain to be trained by Anthony and Sam Freedman. He’s back again for a second shot. Other notable entries include Poptronic, now under the care of Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott after winning on Champions Day for Karl Burke, as well as Place Du Carrousel, 2020 Derby winner Serpentine, and Middle Earth, who was a Group Three winner for the Gosdens before moving to Ciaron Maher.
With 123 initial nominations, the 2024 Lexus Melbourne Cup promises to be a highly competitive race, with a strong European and international presence looking to challenge for the prestigious title.
