Leading Melbourne Cup contender Defiantly has been sensationally withdrawn after Racing Victoria stewards deemed the stayer unsuitable to race.
Defiantly was one of three international gallopers re-examined on Saturday morning after the trio were not passed fit at first inspection.
Vets had noticed changes in the gait of the three horses with each required to undergo another examination to be cleared to accept ahead of final declarations at 4.30pm on Saturday.
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But while Wine Dark Sea and Enfijaar were given the all clear, the Joseph O’Brien-trained Defiantly has been scratched.
“In the opinion of the veterinarians, Defiantly remains unsuitable to accept for the Melbourne Cup and has been withdrawn from the race by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice,” steward said.
“Wine Dark Sea and Enfjaar had made appropriate improvement from Thursday’s inspection and in the opinion of the veterinarians are suitable to accept.”
The withdrawal means Defiantly’s stablemate Kizlyah moves into the field at No.24 in the order of entry.
Stewards also said Small Fry, who was 33rd in the order of entry, is no longer suitable to race.
Defiantly had long been seen as one of the favourites after a string of strong performances in Europe. He recently produced a dominant win in the Group 2 Prix Kergorlay (3000m) in France in August.
The withdrawal follows that of Saint George, who was scratched after failing to pass mandatory scans, and Japanese raider Stinger Glass, who was withdrawn on Friday.
The field for the race that stops the nation will be finalised at 4.30pm AEDT on Saturday before the barrier draw later tonight.
