Jan Brueghel Withdrawn from Melbourne Cup

Jan Brueghel (Ire), trained by Aidan O'Brien and a top contender for the G1 Lexus Melbourne Cup, has been ruled out following a failed veterinary inspection. Racing Victoria Stewards confirmed that the unbeaten St Leger winner would not compete due to concerns over his fitness after a compulsory CT scan at the University of Melbourne Equine Centre revealed a heightened injury risk.

Racing Victoria issued a statement explaining that an expert panel of equine surgeons and diagnostic specialists reviewed Jan Brueghel's scan results, concluding that he was unsuitable for racing. Acting on this recommendation, the stewards officially withdrew him from the Melbourne Cup, scheduled for November 5 at Flemington.

Tom Magnier of Coolmore, representing the ownership, expressed disappointment, noting that Jan Brueghel had passed all pre-departure protocols in Ireland and was showing strong form in quarantine at Werribee. "The vets have made the decision he doesn’t pass the inspection to run in the Melbourne Cup," said Magnier. "I feel for our staff and team who worked tirelessly to bring him here. But at Coolmore, the horse’s welfare is always our priority."

This setback leaves Ballydoyle without a runner in the race, which could have marked a first Melbourne Cup win for O'Brien. While disappointed, Coolmore has accepted the decision, prioritising the horse’s health above all else.