Melbourne Cup favorite Jan Brueghel is sensationally eliminated from the race after a surprise decision by the veterans
- Bombshell news was announced on Tuesday
- The horse’s connections argue over movement
European star Jan Brueghel has been ruled out of next Tuesday’s Melbourne Cup because vets made a decision that confused and angered the connections between the horses.
Irish trainer Aidan O’Brien’s stallion was the cup favorite before Via Sistina’s breakthrough Cox Plate run last Saturday.
A statement from Racing Victoria did not mention an issue but said the Irish four-year-old was at an “increased risk of injury” after he failed a CT scan.
“Following advice from RV Veterinary Services in relation to the expert opinions of the independent imaging panel, RV Stewards ordered the withdrawal of Jan Brueghel from the Melbourne Cup on the grounds that he was unfit to compete,” Racing Victoria said in a statement.
Coolmore stud boss John Magnier said his unbeaten four-year-old’s withdrawal from the race had come as a shock.
“He went through all the protocols in Ireland before coming here.” “The boys were very happy with the horse, he did well out there in quarantine,” Magnier told SEN, emphasizing that the horse has been in good health since arriving in Australia was not injured three weeks ago.
“But the vets made the decision that was made… the decision was Racing Victoria’s.”
“We are very disappointed.”
Jan Brueghel (pictured with trackwork rider Dean Gallagher) is set to make a shock exit from next Tuesday’s Melbourne Cup – and the four-year-old’s owners and trainers are not happy
The Irish racer (pictured doing track work in Werribee) had no injury concerns before failing a test carried out by Racing Victoria, his contacts say
“Of course I am extremely disappointed with the staff and our entire team who have put in so much work, both at home and on the journey there and on the way there.
“It’s heartbreaking.”
All Melbourne Cup participants must be tested before being allowed to run and Jan Brueghel is said to have overcome these hurdles before departing Ireland.
O’Brien last month criticized the testing system, calling it “ridiculous.”
“Very few horses 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 sure if any of them could get in and be allowed to walk.”
“It’s really ridiculous.”
Racing fans received more bad news on Tuesday as bookmakers gave Cox Plate winner Via Sistina higher odds and some listed the word “doubtful” next to her name.
The seven-year-old mare broke Winx’s record for the Plate last Saturday and emerged as a clear favorite with punters, but has now fallen back as trainer Chris Waller makes the decision on whether she will take part in the nation-stopping race , delayed.
