The Mosstrooper Steeplechase has been cancelled after only one runner accepted.
Two-time Mosstrooper winner, Stern Idol, was the only acceptor for the race despite 14 others nominating. Named after a jumping great, the time honoured race was due to be run at Hamilton on Sunday.
It is believed Racing Victoria spoke to several trainers who had originally nominated, however there was a view they did not want to tackle champion Stern Idol, who was due to carry 70kg.
‘’ The Mosstrooper unfortunately didn’t receive sufficient acceptances with only one horse (Stern Idol) accepting for the race by 9.30am this morning. There were 14 nominations for the Mosstrooper,’’ a spokesperson said.
Racing Victoria will work with what to do with the Mosstrooper with the Australian Jumps Racing Association.
‘’RV will discuss future programming options for the Mosstrooper with the AJRA, noting that they may be limited due to the existing program of feature races through the remainder of this jumps season,’’ a spokesperson said.
The cancellation follows small fields in a number of hurdles races, with Steeplechases particularly down in starters.
But qualified jumps horses numbers have actually increased in 2026, with 156 registered this year [110 hurdle and 46 Steeplechase] compered with 144 [90 Hurdle and 54 Steeplechase] in 2025.
There have been 151 starters in Hurdles in 21 races this year, compared with 147 starters from 19 races in 2025.
There have been 77 starters in the Steeplechase from 12 races in 2026, compared with 91 starters from 12 races in 2025.
