Legendary trainer Gai Waterhouse has strongly rejected a push to reduce the VRC Derby distance to 2000 metres.
Waterhouse let rip when speaking with the press pack at Flemington trackwork on Tuesday morning.
“It drives me crazy when people have to tamper with things,” she said.
But that view doesn’t appear to be widely held across the racing industry.
Calvin McEvoy, who’ll send one of leading chances in Options to the 2500-metre feature this Saturday, said he would be in favour of reducing the distance.
“I understand the tradition, but I do think 2000 metres would make a very good race,” he told The Verdict podcast.
“I’ve heard people talking about things like setting up some bonuses for a couple of races in a row, and maybe have the Derby as the final?
“I think 2000 (metres) in the spring would be perfect, and then that can lead into the mile and a half Derbies in the autumn.”
WATCH: The issue debated on The Verdict podcast
Champion trainer Chris Waller was keen to “stay out of it” when asked by Michael Felgate, but did concede a 2000-metre race would likely attract a better field of runners.
“It is very hard to get a horse to 2500 metres, this early,” he explained.
“Things change and you do need to make sure the quality of the race is staying up.
“But that’s for the experts to sort out.”
Ben Hayes from Lindsay Park held a similar view.
“I think the 2500 metres is always interesting, but I do also think if went to 2000 (metres) it would open quite a few avenues,” he said.
“Cox Plate horses might be able to run in the Derby, as well, as three-year-olds.
“There are so many options.
“I’m not against it, but I know it is tradition.”
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