Chances are you're about to lose.
For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au
Star apprentice Zac Lloyd will go without a ride in Tuesday’s 2024 Melbourne Cup field after Athabascan was ruled out of the event on Monday afternoon.
Adding to the high attrition rate of this year’s Group 1 $8.56 million Lexus Melbourne Cup (3200m) is the first official scratching post-acceptances with the John O’Shea & Tom Charlton-trained Almanzor gelding Athabascan withdrawn.
Racing Victoria vets deemed the six-year-old, who was last seen winning Randwick’s St Leger over 2600m on October 19, had an increased risk of a cardiac episode after he was examined during a final, mandatory veterinary examination on Monday.
All 24 Melbourne Cup final acceptors were inspected by the team of RV vets with Almanzor the sole contender not to be passed fit to run when he was found to be suffering from cardiac arrhythmia.
He was rated around $41 in the Melbourne Cup odds online at Ladbrokes.com.au at the time of his removal from the field.
Three independent experts examined the ECG reports and blood test results for the galloper before the decision was finalised.
“They each independently advised that, due to the nature of the cardiac arrhythmia, Athabascan should undergo further extensive testing before being permitted to race again on the grounds of safety,” the official RV report stated.
“Acting on these opinions and having considered additional material provided by the stable, RV veterinarians advised the stewards that in their view the horse should be withdrawn from the Melbourne Cup due to an increased risk of a cardiac episode.
“Accordingly, the stewards acting on veterinary advice, ordered the withdrawal of Athabascan.
“The remaining 23 horses have been passed suitable to race tomorrow.”
There are now 23 Melbourne Cup horses still in contention.
Updated Melbourne Cup betting has Irish raider Vauban returning after an unplaced run as the beaten favourite last year and Chris Waller‘s Caulfield Cup runner-up Buckaroo as the equal $7 top elects.
The 2024 Melbourne Cup runs as Flemington Race 7 at 3:00pm (AEDT) on Tuesday.
| 11. Knight's Choice (5) J: Robbie Dolan51.5kg x9005T: J G Symons & S Laxon | ||
| 4. Warp Speed (2) J: Akira Sugawara54.5kg 325x0T: N Takagi | ||
| 12. Okita Soushi (9) J: Jamie Kah51kg x8021T: Ciaron Maher | ||
| 14. Zardozi (3) J: Andrea Atzeni51kg 65245T: James Cummings | ||
| 9. Absurde (6) J: Kerrin McEvoy52.5kg 1x41xT: Willie Mullins | ||
| 3. Circle Of Fire (23) J: Mark Zahra54.5kg 1x890T: Ciaron Maher | ||
| 17. Fancy Man (18) J: Ron Stewart50kg 0x536T: Annabel Neasham & Rob Archibald | ||
| 8. Land Legend (17) J: Zac Purton53kg x0613T: Chris Waller | ||
| 2. Buckaroo (20) J: Joao Moreira54.5kg 81122T: Chris Waller | ||
| 5. Kovalica (16) J: Damian Lane53.5kg x3426T: Chris Waller | ||
| 1. Vauban (10) J: William Buick55.5kg 24312T: Willie Mullins | ||
| 13. Onesmoothoperator (11) J: Craig Williams51kg 21741T: Brian Ellison | ||
| 16. Valiant King (21) J: Craig Newitt50.5kg 6x009T: Chris Waller | ||
| 15. Sea King (1) J: Hollie Doyle50.5kg 136x1T: Harry Eustace | ||
| 18. Interpretation (13) J: Teodore Nugent50kg 00862T: Ciaron Maher | ||
| 6. Sharp 'N' Smart (14) J: Michael Dee53.5kg x0203T: Graeme & Debbie Rogerson | ||
| 24. Trust In You (4) J: Mark Du Plessis50kg 63044T: Bruce Wallace & Grant Cooksley | ||
| 20. Mostly Cloudy (15) J: Karis Teetan50kg 2x440T: Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young | ||
| 19. Manzoice (7) J: Declan Bates50kg x2307T: Chris Waller | ||
| 21. Positivity (19) J: Winona Costin50kg x2178T: Andrew Forsman | ||
| 23. The Map (22) J: Rachel King50kg x9056T: Dan Clarken & Oopy MacGillivray | ||
| 22. Saint George (8) J: Tyler Schiller50kg x8495T: Ciaron Maher | ||
| 7. Just Fine (12) J: Jye McNeil53kg 05010T: G Waterhouse & A Bott |
WHAT ARE YOU PREPARED TO LOSE TODAY? SET A DEPOSIT LIMIT.
For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.
