Scan rules out Kiwi Cup contender

Kiwi Melbourne Cup contender Mahrajaan has been withdrawn from the Melbourne Cup due to a scan failure.

Racing Victoria stewards announced their decision on Derby Day, just hours before the Melbourne Cup entry deadline.

The Sean Ritchie-trained stayer was to be ridden by Declan Bates in the Cup.

He is one of many horses to be withdrawn from the race due to scanning, including once favorite Jan Brueghel, Muramasa and Braden Star.

Sheila Lacson and John Simons-trained Mission Of Love were also withdrawn from competition on Friday, while Interpretation and Onesmoothoperator were cleared to race after a secondary veterinary check on Saturday morning.

Regarding Mahrajaan’s refusal, the stewards said in a statement: “The independent imaging panel considered the horse to be at increased risk of injury based on the CT scan results.”