AIDAN O’BRIEN’S unbeaten St Leger winner was shockingly ruled out of the £4 million Melbourne Cup after failing a vet’s check which left connections puzzled.
Jan Brueghel was high up the betting for Australia’s flagship race next Tuesday, but after a CT scan will no longer be able to run.
A steward’s report released by Racing Victoria, the governing body of horse racing in Victoria, said there was ‘heightened risk of injury’ but did not specify anything more.
It is believed the scan took place on Saturday after the colt had been working at Werribee, where the overseas runners are based.
O’Brien has never had success in the race, and has not even had a runner in it since 2020 when Tiger Moth agonisingly missed out to Twilight Payment, a horse trained by his son Joseph O’Brien.
But hopes were high this year, and Willie Mullins, who has his Vauban running in the race for a second consecutive year, had cited his countryman’s runner as the one to beat.
Coolmore Australia’s boss Tom Magnier said: “We’ve learned that Jan Brueghel won’t be taking his place in the Melbourne Cup this year.
“He went through all of the protocols in Ireland before departing. The lads were very happy with the horse and he was bouncing in quarantine, but the vets have come up with the decision that he doesn’t pass the inspection to run.
“I’m extremely disappointed for all of the team who have put so much effort in getting him here.
“They really were excited about this, but at the end of the day the horse comes first and the decision by Racing Victoria has been made. Aidan will talk to the lads about what’s next, but we’re just very disappointed.”
O’Brien has previously lashed out at the overly rigorous testing of international runners before the race, calling the protocols ‘ridiculous’.
In September, prior to the checks carried out before the international runners in the race went into quarantine, O’Brien said: “The Australian people are coming over to check them in the next few days.
“They are all getting scanned over the next while and then they check them, but very few horses pass the criteria, especially young horses.
“It’s very difficult for three-year-olds to get through because they are still growing and their bones are still maturing so I wouldn’t be sure about any of them getting in and being allowed to run.
“It’s ridiculous really.
The only place to get Templegate’s tips first – and at the best prices – is by joining Sun Racing’s brilliant Members Enclosure.
Sign up now for just £1* to be part of racing’s best winning team and get…
Become a member today for just £1*
*For the first month then £3 per month thereafter.
18+ Ts and Cs apply. First month membership £1, then £3 per month unless you cancel at least 7 days before your next billing date. For more information contact help@thesun.co.uk
“Because they are three-year-olds, they are not as formed as older horses, and there will be things that show up in their scans, but they are not prepared to forgive anything.
“The same horse who scans wrong this year could scan perfect next year because they are only three turning four and have yet to fully develop.
“But we’re only guests down there in Australia and we play under their rules and that’s just the way it is.”
With Jan Breughel ruled out, Buckaroo has shot to 7-2 and Newcastle-trainer Brian Ellison’s Onesmoothoperator has sailed into 5s.
A responsible gambler is someone who:
Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.