European superstar ruled out of Melbourne Cup field by vets

Posted by RS NewsWire at 4:40pm on October 29th

Unbeaten European stayer Jan Brueghel has been withdrawn from next week’s Melbourne Cup after failing a Racing Victoria veterinary scan.

RV confirmed the decision on Tuesday morning, following the publication of results from the Galileo entire’s final compulsory CT prior to next Tuesday’s $8.4 million Group 1 Melbourne Cup, which took place last Saturday.

An RV statement did not specify a specific issue rather than to suggest Jan Brueghel is ‘at heightened risk of injury’.

“Reports received from an expert panel of internationally-renowned equine surgeons and diagnostic imaging specialists, who reviewed Jan Brueghel’s CT scan results, indicate that the horse is currently at heightened risk of injury,” the RV statement read.

“Following advice from RV Veterinary Services in relation to the specialist opinions from the independent imaging panel, RV Stewards ordered the withdrawal of Jan Brueghel from the Melbourne Cup on the basis that he was unsuitable to compete.”

Jan Brueghel, who has won his only four starts in Europe, including a last-start win in the Group 1 English St Leger, was the $6 second favourite for the Melbourne Cup prior to his scratching.

A four-year-old by Australian time, Jan Brueghel satisfied RV’s veterinary requirements prior to leaving for Australia and his withdrawal left the Coolmore disappointed he won’t be given the chance to try and earn Aidan O’Brien his first Melbourne Cup.

“Obviously Jan Brueghel went through all the tests when he was in Ireland, everything was OK, and he’s down here and the lads have been very happy with him but at the end of the day Racing Victoria have the decision,” Coolmore Australia boss Tom Magnier told RSN927.

“At Coolmore, everything is about the horse, we just want the horses to be OK, but Racing Victoria have said that this horse has failed the pre-inspections so he won’t take part in the Melbourne Cup.

“This is the game that we’re in, it’s a game of highs and lows and you’ve got to be able to take the lows if you’re going to enjoy the highs.”

Prior to the news breaking Jan Brueghel was a $5.00 chance with online betting sites in Melbourne Cup odds.

More Racing News

Tough Willaidow shines bright in the Southern Cross Stakes

Purchased for just $7000 and with one leg held together by pins, Willaidow’s tenacity on the racetrack has trainer Marc Conners dreaming of big achievements. The six-year-old gelding showcased his grit once again at Rosehill on Saturday, fending off all challengers to claim victory in the Group Three Southern Cross...

Today

She’s Bulletproof does Littlefield proud in the Bellmaine Stakes

Trainer Charlotte Littlefield is not typically known for pushing her horses hard, but she had to adopt a tougher approach with She’s Bulletproof in the lead-up to a Stakes race at Sandown. The change in training and feeding regimen paid off handsomely when She’s Bulletproof claimed victory in the Group...

Today

Snitzel colt Blitzes rivals in the Canonbury Stakes

Trainer Gerald Ryan remains cautious about pursuing a Golden Slipper start with Blitzburg, despite the colt’s impressive all-the-way victory in the Group 3 Canonbury Stakes at Rosehill on Saturday. Blitzburg ($4.80), the most experienced juvenile in the field of seven, surged ahead at the top of the straight and held on...

Today

Inkaruna bobs into 2025 Blue Diamond Stakes contention

Daniel Moor’s dedication to riding in jump-outs at training centers, often overlooked by other jockeys, has paid off in a big way. Moor secured a late booking to ride Inkaruna in the Group 3 Chairman’s Stakes (1000m) at Sandown on Saturday after Craig Williams was unable to fulfill his engagement...

Today

Jamie Melham getting used to new name

New York Lustre will forever hold a special place in the heart of jockey Jamie Melham after securing a thrilling victory at Sandown. Trained by Enver Jusufovic, New York Lustre delivered Melham her first win since marrying fellow jockey Ben Melham last month, triumphing in the John Moule Handicap (1200m) on...

Today

The Playwright stars in thrilling finish to win 2025 Widden Stakes

Tulloch Lodge is considering following the same path with The Playwright that led Lady Of Camelot to success 12 months ago, after the filly mirrored her Golden Slipper-winning stablemate by claiming the Widden Stakes. Lady Of Camelot won the fillies’ feature last year before finishing second in the Group 1 Blue...

Today

Fresh Ron’s Finalflutter can win Bunbury Classic 2025 says Morton

Ron’s Finalflutter kicks off her potential WA Oaks campaign this Sunday at Bunbury, and trainer Dan Morton believes she has what it takes to deliver a strong performance fresh in the Listed Greenfields Lodge WA Breeders’ Classic (1200m). “I wouldn’t rule her out,” Morton said on Tabradio. “She’s got a lot...

Yesterday

Paula Trenwith chases birthday gift at the Parks

Morphettville based Paula Trenwith could not think of a better present than that of winning a race on her birthday. Trenwith prepares a team of eight horses at Morphettville and has three runners at the Morphettville Parks meeting on Saturday, her birthday. Savatoff runs in the Happy 80th Birthday Glynn Pretty Handicap (1950m),...

Yesterday

Oh baby: Newcastle mare out to finish on a career-high

If the upcoming Rosehill meeting were scheduled just one day later, in-form mare So Newchee Thinks would be ineligible to race. The daughter of So You Think is currently in foal to Starspangledbanner, and according to racing rules, her official cut-off date for competing is February 1, which coincides with...

Yesterday

Filly out to stamp G1 Blue Diamond Stakes credentials

Trainer Dominic Sutton is prioritizing the well-being of his horse over personal ambition as Victoria’s richest two-year-old race approaches. Sutton has Sword Of Legacy among the 81 youngsters still in contention for the Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield on February 22. However, Sutton, who manages dual yards at...

Yesterday