Two more Melbourne Cup hopes out after failing controversial scans

Two locally trained stayers on Thursday became the latest horses to be ruled out of next week’s Lexus Melbourne Cup after failing mandatory scans.

Joint-trainers Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young expressed their disappointment after Muramasa and Brayden Star, who were priced at 50-1 and 66-1, were found to be “at heightened risk of injury” following scans.

In a statement published on X on Thursday confirming Brayden Star's withdrawal, the stable labelled that horse's failed scan as “perplexing”, saying it had been advised by Racing Victoria that “there may be a shadow that could possibly develop into a stress fracture”.

"Our stable and Brayden Star's ownership group managed by Seymour Bloodstock acknowledge horse welfare is paramount and welcome the processes put in place by Racing Victoria," the statement released by the stable said.

"However, there is no sugar-coating it, our team is very disappointed as our horse has never been so outwardly happy, healthy and in great form."

Muramasa was ruled out just a few hours later and part-owner Ozzie Kheir shared his frustration.

Kheir said: "I’m disappointed for the ownership group and more so for Trent and Natalie, who have been so patient with him and have planned for him to peak on his grand final in the Melbourne Cup after 12 months of planning.

"I’m not a vet so you have to respect the process and decision made. As I have learned in the past, there is nothing you can do as it's black and white as far as Racing Victoria is concerned.

"What I can say though is we don't have a more sound horse who hasn't ever presented lame or been treated in his life. So that part is frustrating.”

Kheir is also involved in the ownership of 10-1 chance Interpretation, who did not pass an inspection on Thursday due to a change in gait and will be re-examined on Friday.

Muramasa and Brayden Star join Jan Brueghel in missing the Flemington showpiece after Aidan O'Brien's St Leger winner was controversially ruled out after failing a vets check.

The remaining international contenders for the big race will undergo their first pre-race examination on Friday, with a second pre-race inspection of the declared runners taking place on Monday.

Lexus Melbourne Cup (4.00am Flemington, Tuesday November 5)
Paddy Power: 4 Buckaroo, 5 Vauban, 6 Onesmoothoperator, 10 Absurde, Interpretation, Land Legend, 12 Sea King, 16 Kovalica, 20 Zardozi, 22 bar

Read more . . .

'We won't sacrifice safety for the sake of having a runner' - Racing Victoria responds to Jan Brueghel criticism 

Furious Aidan O'Brien slams decision to remove Jan Brueghel from Melbourne Cup after controversial vets check 

Brian Ellison: 'He came out here a 100-1 shot for the Melbourne Cup and now he's 6-1 - it's crazy!'  

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