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| Staff Writer |
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Two leading contenders for Australia's most prestigious race have been withdrawn, dealing a significant blow to the 164th running of the Melbourne Cup at Flemington.
Via Sistina, trained by Chris Waller, has been ruled out following her spectacular Cox Plate triumph where she shattered Winx's track record by eight lengths. The mare, owned by Yulong Investments, has been redirected towards the Champions Stakes on November 9.
Waller, who famously guided Verry Elleegant to Melbourne Cup glory in 2021, said: "We've all seen her go to an amazing level... it does take a lot of energy, so... recovery is so important."
The champion trainer later added: "It's all about the horse... it's not fair if she's not 100 percent."
Adding to the drama, unbeaten Jan Brueghel from the powerful Aidan O'Brien yard has been scratched after failing to satisfy veterinary requirements at the University of Melbourne Equine Centre.
The three-year-old's CT scans indicated potential injury risks, leading to his withdrawal.
O'Brien, seeking his first Melbourne Cup victory, has previously expressed concerns about Australia's stringent veterinary protocols, describing them as "ridiculous." The Ballydoyle maestro has experienced both triumph and tragedy in Australian racing, with the enhanced safety measures implemented following several high-profile incidents.
The Melbourne Cup, first run in 1861, boasts an illustrious honour roll including three-time victor Makybe Diva (2003-2005), while international raiders Japan's Delta Blues (2006) and Germany's Protectionist (2014) have also lifted the coveted trophy. The 2023 winner, Without A Fight, trained by Anthony and Sam Freedman, demonstrated the race's truly global appeal.
Recent years have seen significant changes to pre-race protocols, with enhanced veterinary screening becoming mandatory for all international participants. The race, carrying prize money of US$5.8 million, remains one of the world's most valuable handicaps.
Despite these high-profile withdrawals, a strong field is still expected to contest the 3200m event. Just Fine and The Map are among the leading candidates looking to secure their places in the final field, with declarations due in the coming days.
The race, scheduled for November 5 at Flemington Racecourse, continues to draw attention from the global racing community, highlighting its position as one of the sport's most prestigious contests.