- The contenders received a vet check on Friday
- The leading English raider failed the scan
- Sends Cup into an uproar after a series of scratches
The Melbourne Cup has been thrown into chaos, with leading English raider Onesmoothoperator being questioned for the race holding a nation back.
The Geelong Cup winner with superstar jockey Craig Williams on board was considered one of the best odds to win the Cup, on the third betting line.
Onesmoothoperator will now undergo a final vet examination on Saturday in a bid to get fit to run.
“RV veterinarians today inspected the Onesmooth driver, who suffered a cut to the right rear heel,” RV Stewards said Friday.
‘The horse had not passed at that time. He will be re-inspected tomorrow (Saturday) after being re-shod.’
Unbeaten Irish three-year-old Jan Brueghel was also ruled out of the cup after a veterinary check, while Busuttin Racing’s Muramasa and Brayden Star were also declared ‘unfit to compete’ after their scans.
Geelong Cup winner Onesmoothoperator failed a veterinary check on Friday and is doubtful for the Melbourne Cup
Jockey Craig Williams faces a nervous wait to see if his Melbourne Cup ride will come through fit
Brayden Star and Muramasa co-trainer Trent Busuttin declined to comment on the decisions.
However, Brayden Star’s connections released a statement announcing their shock over the decision.
“Having been told we are out of the running for the (Melbourne) Cup because ‘there may be a shadow that could potentially develop into a stress fracture in the future’ is confusing,” the statement said.
The imports’ ownership group, led by Seymour Bloodstock, also released a statement saying horse welfare was paramount and that they ‘welcome the processes put in place by Racing Victoria’.
“However, there is no sugar coating it, our team is very disappointed as our horse has never been so outwardly happy, healthy and in top form,” the statement said.
The Mission of Love, trained by John Symons and Sheila Laxon, was also withdrawn following the inspection on veterinary advice.
The Ciaron Maher-trained interpretation was approved after a change in gait was detected. The interpretation will wear synthetic hoof filler on the left forefoot.
British import and Bendigo Cup winner Sea King, Japanese raider Warp Speed and Kinesiology were all cleared to race and Champion trainer Chris Waller said Kinesiology could be considered for the big race but would likely be postponed .
“He might not make it to the Melbourne Cup this year,” Waller said.
‘It’s all about getting up for the next twelve months and making sure he runs well when he does.
‘I think you’re more likely to see him in the (Group 3) Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2600m) on the last day.’