Irish sensation Yucatan has been penalised 2.5kg for the $7.3 million Melbourne Cup for his stunning Herbert Power Stakes win.

Yucatan, who was originally allocated 52kg, now moves to 54.5kg and 24th position in the ballot order for the November 6 feature over 3200m.

The Aidan O’Brien-trained import also gained an exemption into Saturday’s $5.15 million Caulfield Cup (2400m) following his Australian debut win.

Yucatan cannot be penalised and remains on 52kg for the Caulfield Cup.

Racing Victoria’s Greg Carpenter said: “Yucatan’s win on Saturday was incredibly impressive and a significant step up on his previous form in Europe this year.

“While the official winning margin on Saturday was 1.25 lengths he was more than six lengths in front at the 100m mark before his jockey James McDonald eased him down.

“Yucatan will meet significantly stronger opposition in the Melbourne Cup but the absolute dominance of his Herbert Power win demands a significant penalty.

The largest Melbourne Cup penalty given to previous winners of the Herbert Power has been 2kg.

Recent winners Amralah (2015) and Big Memory (2014) were penalised 2kg but neither ran in the Melbourne Cup.

Leica Falcon, who ran fourth to Makybe Diva in the 2005 Melbourne Cup, and Great Vintage, who ran fourth to Vintage Crop in 1993, were also issued 2kg penalties after winning the Herbert Power.