‘We’re extremely disappointed’ in huge blow to Melbourne Cup as St Leger hero Jan Brueghel ruled out after failing vet check

Aidan O’Brien’s hopes of winning his first Melbourne Cup were dashed. Jan Brueghel was abruptly eliminated from this year’s race after failing a vet check.

The undefeated St Leger hero was many bookmakers’ favorite for the match at Flemington, but he was ordered to sit out next week’s competition on November 5 (4.00) by the stewards of Racing Victoria. A statement released on their behalf said CT scan results showed he was “at increased risk of injury.”

Jan Brueghel was due to race in the Melbourne Cup with Ryan Moore and was working in Werribee, where the international runners are based, on Tuesday before the decision was made. The pre-race scan is believed to have taken place on Saturday.

Coolmore Australia boss Tom Magnier told Australian racing radio show SEN Track: “We have learned that Jan Brueghel will not take his seat in the Melbourne Cup this year.

“He went through all the protocols in Ireland before he left. The guys were very happy with the horse and it was jumping up and down in quarantine, but the vets decided that it was not tested to race.”

He added: “I’m extremely disappointed with the whole team who worked so hard to get him here. They were really excited about it but at the end of the day the horse comes first and Racing Victoria’s decision Aidan will talk to the guys about what happens next but we’re very disappointed.”

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