Godolphin travelling foreman Chris Connett has revealed Cross Counter is likely to return next year to defend his Melbourne Cup crown.
Cross Counter, rode by Kerrin McEvoy, stormed home in Tuesday’s race to give high-profile stable Godolphin their first Cup winner after 30 years of trying.
Connett is confident the champion horse will return in 2019 after conversations with winning trainer Charlie Appleby.
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“He (Cross Counter) flies into Dubai on Sunday and I believe he’s going to go there and have a bit of spell,” Connett told SEN’s Time On.
“As far as I know Sheikh Mohammed (Godolphin owner) and Charlie (Appleby) will sit down, have a chat and decide what they want to do with him.
“From what I’ve heard from Charlie – another crack at the Melbourne Cup could be on the cards.
“Fingers crossed, it would be pretty impressive if he could.”
Cross Counter became the first British horse to win the biggest prize in Australian racing.