Jan Brueghel pulls out of Melbourne Cup on veterinarian advice

Irish raider Jan Brueghel, one of the favorites ahead of next Tuesday’s Melbourne Cup race, has been withdrawn from the race on veterinarian advice.

The European star, who won all four starts in his short career, was sent off from the Cup field on Tuesday.

A Racing Victoria steward’s report said Jan Brueghel was removed from the entry list following a mandatory computer scan on Saturday.

“Reports received from a panel of internationally renowned equine surgeons and diagnostic imaging specialists who reviewed Jan Brueghel’s CT scans indicate that the horse is now at increased risk of injury,” the report said.

“Following recommendations from the RV Veterinary Service in relation to the independent imaging panel’s findings, the RV stewards have ordered Jan Brueghel to be suspended from the Melbourne Cup on the basis that he is unfit to compete.”

Jan Brueghel was undefeated in four starts and truly announced himself on the world stage in September when he triumphed in the Group 1 Leger Stakes in England.

Pre-race favorite Via Sistina is still unconfirmed for next Tuesday’s race following Cox Plate’s record win.

Piloted by James MacDonald, Via Sistina won the Cox Cup in record time, beating the previous record of the legendary Winx.