Scans rule out Kiwi Cup contender

Kiwi Melbourne Cup contender Mahrajaan has been withdrawn from the Melbourne Cup after failing a scan.

Racing Victoria stewards announced the decision on Derby Day, just hours before the Melbourne Cup’s final acceptances deadline.

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

He is one of a number of horses that have been withdrawn from the race due to their scans, including one-time favorite Jan Brueghel, Muramasa and Brayden Star.

Shiela Laxon and John Symons-trained Mission Of Love was also withdrawn on Friday, while Interpretation and Onesmoothoperator were both cleared to race following secondary vet inspections on Saturday morning.

On Mahrajaan’s withdrawal, stewards said in a statement: “The independent imaging panel is considered the horse to be at heightened risk of injury based on the results of its CT scan.”