- The explosive news was announced on Tuesday
- Horse connections up in arms over move
European star Jan Brueghel has been ruled out of next Tuesday’s Melbourne Cup due to a decision by vets that has left horse connections baffled and angry.
Irish trainer Aidan O’Brien’s stallion was the Cup favorite ahead of last Saturday’s blistering Via Sistina Cox Plate race.
A statement from Racing Victoria did not specify the problem but said the four-year-old Irish boy was at “an increased risk of injury” after testing positive in a CT scan.
“Following the advice of RV Veterinary Services in relation to the specialist opinions of the independent imaging panel, RV Stewards ordered the withdrawal of Jan Brueghel from the Melbourne Cup on the basis that he was unfit to compete,” Racing Victoria said in a release.
Coolmore stud boss John Magnier said his unbeaten four-year-old’s withdrawal from the race came as a shock.
‘He went through all the protocols in Ireland before leaving to come here. “The guys are very happy with the horse, he’s been jumping in quarantine,” Magnier said. SENnoting that the horse has not been injured since arriving in Australia three weeks ago.
“But the vets have come to the decision that has been made… the decision was Racing Victoria’s.
‘We are very disappointed.
Jan Brueghel (pictured with driver Dean Gallagher) will be a surprise omission from next Tuesday’s Melbourne Cup, and the four-year-old’s owners and trainer are not happy.
The Irish driver (pictured on the Werribee track) had no injury problems before failing a test administered by Racing Victoria, his connections say.
“Obviously I’m very disappointed for the staff, our whole team who have worked so hard at home, traveling here and bringing it here.
“It’s heartbreaking.”
All participants in the Melbourne Cup must undergo testing before being allowed to race and Jan Brueghel reportedly overcame those obstacles before leaving Ireland.
O’Brien criticized the testing system last month, calling it “ridiculous.”
“Very few horses pass the criteria, especially young horses,” he told Racing Post.
“It’s very difficult for three-year-olds to get through because they’re still growing and their bones are still maturing, so I wouldn’t be sure any of them would be able to get in and be able to run.”
“It’s really ridiculous.”
Racing fans received more bad news on Tuesday when bookmakers put Cox Plate winner Via Sistina at higher odds, with some including the word “doubtful” next to her name.
The seven-year-old mare broke Winx’s record for the Plate last Saturday and was emerging as a firm favorite with punters, but has now fallen as trainer Chris Waller delays a decision on whether she will take part in the race that stops a nation .