Melbourne Cup Favourite’s Vet Scans Failure Shocks Spring Carnival Fans

Sir Delius, the favorite for the Melbourne Cup and Cox Plate, has been ruled out of both races following a veterinary examination. This decision was announced by Racing Victoria on Friday afternoon.

Veterinary Assessment and Findings

The analysis of Sir Delius was conducted after a set of mandatory CT scans focused on his distal limbs. An independent panel of specialists in diagnostic imaging, comprising experts from Australia, the UK, and the USA, evaluated the scan results. Their findings indicated that Sir Delius is at an increased risk of injury.

Further Testing and Confirmation

The team at the Waterhouse-Bott stable was given the chance to perform a PET scan on the horse to pinpoint the injury concern. This scan took place on Thursday and supported the conclusions from the CT scans, confirming the heightened risk level.

Impact on the Spring Carnival

Due to these assessments, Sir Delius, a notable Group 1-winning horse, has been withdrawn from the remainder of the 2025 spring racing carnival. The strict protocols established by Racing Victoria require all participants in the Melbourne Cup to complete their scans by October 30.

Context of New Safety Measures

The introduction of the PET scan this year followed a successful trial during the previous spring carnival. This state-of-the-art imaging technique provides a detailed view of any lesions or issues at a molecular level, enhancing the safety protocols for racing horses.

Historical Significance

Since implementing these rigorous veterinary standards in 2021, there have been no catastrophic injuries reported during the Melbourne Cup, a significant improvement compared to previous years, when several horses were euthanized due to severe injuries.

Conclusion

The withdrawal of Sir Delius from major races has left fans and the racing community shocked. The heightened focus on veterinary protocols aims to ensure the safety of all participants in the spring racing season.