More Joyous is the latest star sprinter to boycott the Patinack Farm Classic if Rocket Man runs

Fresh criticism has arisen over the $600,000 bonus been made available to international horses in this year’s Patinack Farm Classic during Melbourne Cup week.

With Peter Moody and John McNair both publicly slamming the decision to offer the bonus only to overseas visitors and not to local talent, owner John Singleton has now joined their camp.

The trainers have already vowed not to run Black Caviar and Hay List in the race in order to make a stand and now John Singleton has decided to not run his talented mare More Joyous.

“I spoke with Peter Moody and John McNair and we all agreed if Rocket Man comes here for the $600,000 bonus, then Black Caviar, Hay List and More Joyous won’t be there,” Singleton said.

“We will not run our horses on principle.”

More Joyous, who has suffered recent worrying joint problems, has been given an encouraging outlook after a veterinary check last week.

“My vet Dr John Peatfield came up and had a look at More Joyous and he believes the joint problem is on the improve,” Singleton said.

“It looks like the mare will be right to go back into training in a few weeks.

“It won’t be the ideal preparation. She will only be able to have an abbreviated spring race program.”

With the likely avoidance of the Patinack Farm Classic, More Joyous will now be aimed at the Group 1 Myer Classic on Derby Day at Flemington in October.

“We are looking at two runs into the Myer Classic,” he said. “I’d say she will probably have to miss the Cox Plate, which is a shame.”