Jan Brueghel excluded from Lexus Melbourne Cup

The three-year-old was one of the favorites at the Flemington show, but in a statement Racing Victoria said: “Reports received from a panel of internationally renowned equine surgeons and diagnostic imaging specialists who examined Jan Brueghel’s CT scans indicate that that the horse is now at increased risk of injury.

“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.”

Coolmore’s Tom Magnier responded to the news. Vertigo by SENTrack: “He went through all the protocols in Ireland before coming here. The guys were very happy with the horse, he was jumping up and down there in quarantine (in Werribee).

“But the vets have decided he will not pass veterinary examination to compete in the Melbourne Cup.

“We are very disappointed. Obviously, I’m extremely disappointed in the staff, in our entire team that did so much work both at home and coming to get him here. I really feel for them because they were excited about it.

“But at the end of the day at Coolmore the horse comes first. The decision has been made and that’s it.”

More from Sporting Life

Safe gambling

We are committed to supporting safer gambling. Recommended bets are recommended for those over 18 years of age and we strongly advise readers to only bet what they can afford to lose.

If you are concerned about your gambling, call the National Gambling Helpline/ GamCare on 0808 8020 133.

Additional support and information can be found at begambleaware.org And Gamblingtherapy.org