Australia’s premier Group 1 trainer, Chris Waller, is eyeing another victory at the prestigious Caulfield Cup as he listed 32 horses for the upcoming $5 million event on October 18. Waller’s entries constitute over 20% of the total nominations, aiming to secure his third win in six years, building on the successes of Durston in 2022 and Verry Elleegant in 2020. Last year, Waller trained the runners-up Buckaroo and third-placed Land Legend behind Ciaron Maher’s champion Duke De Sessa.
This year, the Melbourne Racing Club received 146 nominations for the Caulfield Cup, a decrease from the 173 nominations the previous year, with a notable decline in international entries compared to 2024. In the 2024 edition, 36 entries were from overseas, with Irish trainer Aidan O’Brien submitting 19 horses. However, this year saw a decrease in international participation, with only 12 foreign-trained horses, and O’Brien himself having just one nomination for the event.
Chris Waller has made a significant impact in recent Caulfield Cups with two wins and multiple placings after years of unplaced runners. Waller’s breakthrough victory came in 2020 with Verry Elleegant, following a series of unplaced entries since 2010. His notable performances include the recent second place with Buckaroo and third place with Land Legend in 2024, showcasing his growing influence in the prestigious race.
Among the international entries for the 2025 Caulfield Cup are notable names like Willie Mullins and Joseph O’Brien from Ireland, Katsunori Tanaka and Noriyuki Hori from Japan, Alessandro Botti from France, and Meydaan from England. These entries add an exciting global dimension to the event, bringing diverse talent to compete on the Australian stage.
With trainers like Maher and Waller dominating the nominations, the competition for the Caulfield Cup promises to be fierce, with both aiming for further success in the upcoming edition. Maher, with 25 entries, seeks his third Caulfield Cup win this spring, looking to replicate the on-pace brilliance of Duke De Sessa’s victory in the previous year.
Japanese runner Warp Speed was the sole international participant in the 2024 Caulfield Cup, finishing 13th, followed by a commendable second place in the Melbourne Cup. This year, the event sees a more diverse international field, with 12 overseas-trained horses vying for top honors, adding an intriguing mix of talent and tactics to the competition.
As the anticipation builds for the Caulfield Cup, fans and experts alike are eager to witness the clash of top trainers, emerging talents, and seasoned champions on the illustrious stage of Australian racing. With Waller and Maher leading the charge, the upcoming event promises high stakes, thrilling competition, and the potential for new records to be set in one of the country’s most prestigious racing events.
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