The world now lives in tougher times but the entry numbers for both the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups have remained strong for 2020.

Each year, there are plenty of horses that are nominated for the big race. But ultimately, only 24 horses will take on the Flemington track in 'the race that stops the nation'. WHAT IS THE PRIZE. Four horses among the remaining 42 vying for the 24 spots in the Melbourne Cup field have been the subjects of veterinary scrutiny. Defending Cup titleholder Cross Counter and 2018 runner-up Marmelo, along with Ispolini and Southern France have undergone tests. Race horse dies following 2020 Melbourne Cup. Duration: 01:27 3/11/2020. A pre-race favourite has died after breaking down at the Melbourne Cup.

COVID-19 has cast a shadow on whether the great races will be run behind without crowds but the entries for both events are up on 2019 levels.

Trainers have entered 177 horses for the Caulfield Cup, a rise of 24 on last year while the Melbourne Cup nominations have jumped from 152 to 174.

Racing Victoria’s chief handicapper Greg Carpenter noted there were 29 individual Group I winners in the Caulfield Cup entries and 25 in the Melbourne Cup.

How Many Horses Race In The Melbourne Cup 2019

International stables have entered 34 horses for the Caulfield Cup and 30 for the Melbourne Cup.

Irish trainers Aidan and Joseph O’Brien dominate the international entries. The pair accounts for 20 of the Caulfield Cup nominations and 16 of the Melbourne Cup contingent.

Joseph O’Brien went close to winning last year with Master Of Reality and the 2017 Melbourne Cup-winning trainer has nominated the stayer for another crack this year.

Twilight Payment and Buckhurst are also among the young trainer’s Melbourne Cup possibilities.

Aidan O’Brien will again chase his first Melbourne Cup in 2020.

How Many Horses Run In The Melbourne Cup 2019

The Irish master has entered 2019 Epsom Derby winner Anthony Van Dyck and the last two Irish Derby winners Sovereign and Santiago for the $8 million event.

Local trainer Danny O’Brien has entered last year’s Melbourne Cup winner Vow And Declare, the South Australian Derby winner Russian Camelot and the VRC Oaks winner Miami Bound for the 2020 Cup.

Racenet has the full list of 2020 Melbourne Cup nominations as well as the full list of entries for the 2020 Caulfield Cup.

How Many Horses Ran In The First Melbourne Cup Race

Weights for both the Caulfield Cup and Melbourne Cup will be released on September 8.