Aidan O'Brien's hopes of winning a first Melbourne Cup (G1) have been dashed as leading contender Jan Brueghel has been dramatically ruled out of this year's race after failing a vets check.
The unbeaten St Leger (G1) hero had been the ante-post favorite for the Nov. 5 Flemington showpiece with many bookmakers, but he has been ordered to miss the race by Racing Victoria's stewards. A statement released on their behalf said CT scan results had revealed he is "at heightened risk of injury".
Jan Brueghel had been due to be ridden by Ryan Moore in the Melbourne Cup and had been working at Werribee, where the international runners are based, on Tuesday before the decision was made. It is believed the pre-race scans took place on Saturday.
Coolmore Australia's boss, Tom Magnier, told Australian racing radio show SEN Track: "We've learned that Jan Brueghel won't be taking his place in the Melbourne Cup this year.
"He went through all of the protocols in Ireland before departing. The lads were very happy with the horse and he was bouncing in quarantine, but the vets have come up with the decision that he doesn't pass the inspection to run."
He added: "I'm extremely disappointed for all of the team who have put so much effort in getting him here. They really were excited about this, but at the end of the day the horse comes first and the decision by Racing Victoria has been made. Aidan will talk to the lads about what's next, but we're just very disappointed."
Jan Brueghel was set to be O'Brien's only runner in this year's Melbourne Cup. He has not been represented in it since 2020, when Tiger Mothfinished second to the gelding Twilight Payment (IRE), who was trained by his son Joseph, while 2019 Derby hero Anthony Van Dyck suffered a fatal injury in that race.
Aidan O'Brien has also heavily criticized the rigorous testing of international runners before they get to Werribee in the past, calling them "ridiculous" and leaving 3-year-olds at a significant disadvantage.
The Racing Victoria stewards' statement read: "Reports received from an expert panel of internationally renowned equine surgeons and diagnostic imaging specialists, who reviewed Jan Brueghel's CT scan results, indicate that the horse is currently at heightened risk of injury.
"Following advice from RV Veterinary Services in relation to the specialist opinions from the independent imaging panel, Racing Victoria stewards ordered the withdrawal of Jan Brueghel from the Melbourne Cup on the basis that he was unsuitable to compete."
With Jan Brueghel out, Buckaroo is now 7-2 favorite (from 5-1) with Coral for the Melbourne Cup. The Brian Ellison-trained Onesmoothoperator is next at 5-1 alongside Vauban for Willie Mullins and brilliant Cox Plate (G1) winner Via Sistina, while Mullins' other runner, Absurde, is 9-1.
