‘There’s no sugarcoating it – we’re very disappointed,’ hope two more Melbourne Cup competitors after failing mandatory checks

Two local stayers on Thursday became the latest contenders to be eliminated from next week’s tournament. Lexus Melbourne Cup after a failed mandatory scan.

Co-trainers Trent Busattin and Natalie Young expressed disappointment after Muramasa And Braden Starwho were assessed at 50-1 and 66-1 were found to be “at increased risk of injury” after the scan.

In a statement released Thursday on X confirming Brayden Star’s withdrawal, the stable called the horse’s failed scan “disconcerting,” saying Racing Victoria told them “there may be a shadow that could develop into a stress fracture.”

“Our stable and the Brayden Star ownership group, managed by Seymour Bloodstock, recognize that the welfare of horses is of paramount importance and welcome the processes put in place by Racing Victoria,” said a statement released by the stable.

“However, there is no sugarcoating this, our team are very disappointed as our horse has never been so visibly happy, healthy and in great shape.”

Muramasa was eliminated after just a few hours, with co-owner Ozzy Hair sharing his disappointment.

Hair said: “I am disappointed with the ownership group and especially Trent and Natalie who have been so patient with him and planned for him to peak in the Melbourne Cup grand final after 12 months of planning.

“I’m not a veterinarian, so you have to respect the process and the decisions that are made. As I have learned from the past, there is nothing you can do as everything is black and white as far as Racing Victoria is concerned.

“However, I can say that we do not have a healthier horse that has never been lame or treated in its life. So it’s frustrating.”

Hair is also involved in the possession at 10-1 odds Interpretationwho was not examined on Thursday due to a change in gait and will be re-examined on Friday.

Muramasa and Braden Star join Jan Brueghel in missing the Flemington exhibition after Aidan O’Brien won the St Leger. controversially excluded after failing veterinary check.

The remaining international contenders for the big race will undergo their first pre-race inspection on Friday, with a second pre-race inspection of entered competitors taking place on Monday.

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Lexus Melbourne Cup (4:00am, Flemington, Tuesday 5 November)
Paddy Power: 4 Buckaroo, 5 Vauban, 6 Onesmoothoperator, 10 Absurd, Interpretation, Land Legend, 12 Sea King, 16 Kowalitz, 20 Zardozi, 22 bar

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Read more . . .

“We will not sacrifice safety for the sake of the runner” – Racing Victoria responds to criticism from Jan Bruegel

Furious Aidan O’Brien has slammed the decision to ban Jan Brueghel from the Melbourne Cup after a controversial vet check

Brian Ellison: “He came here 100-1 in the Melbourne Cup and now he’s 6-1 – it’s crazy!”

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