2023 Colin Stephen Quality Winner Athabascan

Athabascan Scratched from Melbourne Cup 2024, Lloyd Without Ride

Lucy Henderson November 4, 2024

Athabascan Scratched from Melbourne Cup 2024, Lloyd Without Ride

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the first official scratching post-acceptances with the John O’Shea & Tom Charlton-trained Almanzor gelding Athabascan withdrawn.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material provided by the stable, RV veterinarians advised the stewards that in their view the horse should be withdrawn from the Melbourne Cup due to an increased risk of a cardiac episode.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.

Melbourne Cup 2024 Odds & Results

Flemington R7
Lexus Melbourne Cup (G1)
Final Race time:  1730779472
Runner DetailsWinPlace
1st
11. Knight's Choice (5) J: Robbie Dolan 51.5kg
T: J G Symons & S Laxon
2nd
4. Warp Speed (2) J: Akira Sugawara 54.5kg
T: N Takagi
3rd
12. Okita Soushi (9) J: Jamie Kah 51kg
T: Ciaron Maher
4th
14. Zardozi (3) J: Andrea Atzeni 51kg
T: James Cummings
5th
9. Absurde (6) J: Kerrin McEvoy 52.5kg
T: Willie Mullins
6th
3. Circle Of Fire (23) J: Mark Zahra 54.5kg
T: Ciaron Maher
7th
17. Fancy Man (18) J: Ron Stewart 50kg
T: Annabel Neasham & Rob Archibald
8th
8. Land Legend (17) J: Zac Purton 53kg
T: Chris Waller
9th
2. Buckaroo (20) J: Joao Moreira 54.5kg
T: Chris Waller
10th
5. Kovalica (16) J: Damian Lane 53.5kg
T: Chris Waller
11th
1. Vauban (10) J: William Buick 55.5kg
T: Willie Mullins
12th
13. Onesmoothoperator (11) J: Craig Williams 51kg
T: Brian Ellison
13th
16. Valiant King (21) J: Craig Newitt 50.5kg
T: Chris Waller
14th
15. Sea King (1) J: Hollie Doyle 50.5kg
T: Harry Eustace
15th
18. Interpretation (13) J: Teodore Nugent 50kg
T: Ciaron Maher
16th
6. Sharp 'N' Smart (14) J: Michael Dee 53.5kg
T: Graeme & Debbie Rogerson
17th
24. Trust In You (4) J: Mark Du Plessis 50kg
T: Bruce Wallace & Grant Cooksley
18th
20. Mostly Cloudy (15) J: Karis Teetan 50kg
T: Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young
19th
19. Manzoice (7) J: Declan Bates 50kg
T: Chris Waller
20th
21. Positivity (19) J: Winona Costin 50kg
T: Andrew Forsman
21st
23. The Map (22) J: Rachel King 50kg
T: Dan Clarken & Oopy MacGillivray
22nd
22. Saint George (8) J: Tyler Schiller 50kg
T: Ciaron Maher
23rd
7. Just Fine (12) J: Jye McNeil 53kg
T: G Waterhouse & A Bott
Odds are subject to fluctuation. For current odds on all of our live racing markets, please visit www.ladbrokes.com.au/racing.
Data retrieved: 06/12/2024 06:47:38 AM (Australia/Brisbane)

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.

Racing fields and data are copyright 2011-2021 © Racing Australia Pty Ltd (RA) (and other parties working with it).
Racing materials, including fields, form and results, is subject to copyright which is owned by RA and other parties working with it. Full copyright notice.

Spring Racing

Horse Racing Today

What are you really gambling with?

For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au