So You Think could make an appearance this spring carnival after AQIS relaxed their stringent quarantine regulations

An appearance by So You Think at this year’s spring carnival is looking more and more likely after the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) relaxed their stringent quarantine regulations yesterday.

Racing Victoria yesterday announced that Ireland’s Ballydoyle has been approved by AQIS as a suitable private quarantine facility for Coolmore trainer Aidan O’Brien.

This latest development increases the possibility of So You Think journeying to Australia in October to contest a third consecutive Cox Plate victory.

Racing Victoria chief executive Rob Hines has vowed to do his best to entice O’Brien’s So You Think, as well as the talented Cape Blanco, to Moonee Valley Racecourse for this year’s Cox Plate.

“We are delighted that AQIS has given in-principle approval for quarantine at Ballydoyle and we thank them for their efforts in reaching this positive outcome,” Mr Hines said.

“Together with the Moonee Valley Racing Club we are committed to enticing the world’s best to compete during the Spring Racing Carnival and Aidan O’Brien is certainly that.

“The opportunity for So You Think to now chase an historic third Cox Plate is wonderful news and Cape Blanco is a proven world class performer who would be ideally suited to the race and track.

“We will be actively engaged with the O’Brien stable and the horse’s owners over the coming weeks to encourage them to compete in Australia’s weight-for-age championship this October.”

Aidan O’Brien will now decide where to send So You Think after he competes in the Irish Champion Stakes next month.

“We are delighted that Ballydoyle was passed as a quarantine unit, and we thank Racing Victoria for their help in this matter,” O’Brien said.

“In relation to the two horses mentioned in the Cox Plate entries, the decision on So You Think’s program will be made after the Irish Champion Stakes.

“In relation to Cape Blanco he has a number of options, and the Cox Plate remains one of them.”