Melbourne Cup favourite Jan Brueghel is sensationally ruled out of the race after shock decision from vets
- Bomb news was announced on Tuesday
- The horse’s connections are in turmoil over movement
Top European star Jan Brueghel has been ruled out of next Tuesday’s Melbourne Cup following a vets decision that has left the horses’ connections baffled and angry.
Irish trainer Aidan O’Brien’s stallion was the cup favorite ahead of Via Sistina’s storming Cox Plate run last Saturday.
A statement from Racing Victoria did not specify a problem but said the Irish four-year-old was ‘at increased risk of injury’ after failing a CT scan.
“Following advice from RV Veterinary Services in relation to the specialist advice of the independent visual panel, RV Stewards has ordered the withdrawal of Jan Brueghel from the Melbourne Cup as he was unfit to compete,” Racing Victoria said in a statement.
Coolmore stud boss John Magnier said the withdrawal of his unbeaten four-year-old from the race was a shock.
“He went through all the protocols in Ireland before he left to come here. The boys are very happy with the horse, he is bouncing there in quarantine,” Magnier said. SENstressing that the horse had not been injured since arriving in Australia three weeks ago.
“But the vets came up with the decision that was made… the decision was Racing Victoria’s.
‘We are very disappointed.
Jan Brueghel (pictured with track rider Dean Gallagher) will be a shocking omission from next Tuesday’s Melbourne Cup – and the four-year-old’s owners and trainer are not happy about it
The Irish raider (pictured at the Werribee track) had no injury concerns before failing a test administered by Racing Victoria, his connections say
“Obviously I’m hugely disappointed for the staff, our whole team who have put in so much work both at home and on the road to get him here.
“It’s heartbreaking.”
All Melbourne Cup competitors must be tested before being allowed to compete, and Jan Brueghel reportedly cleared these hurdles before leaving Ireland.
O’Brien criticized the testing system last month, calling it “ridiculous.”
“There are very few horses that meet the criteria, especially young horses,” he told Racing Post.
‘It’s very difficult for three-year-olds to get through because they’re still growing and their bones are still maturing, so I wouldn’t be confident about any of them getting in and being allowed to run.
“It’s actually ridiculous.”
Racing fans received more bad news on Tuesday when bookmakers put Cox Plate winner Via Sistina at higher odds, with some listing the word ‘doubtful’ next to her name.
The seven-year-old mare broke Winx’s record in the Plate last Saturday and was a firm favorite with punters, but has now been dropped as trainer Chris Waller postpones a decision on whether she will take part in the race holding back a nation.