Melbourne Cup Favorite Withdrawn Amid Increased Injury Risk

The Melbourne Cup favorite, Sir Delius, has been withdrawn amid concerns over heightened injury risk. This decision was made by Racing Victoria stewards, creating a significant setback for the training partnership of Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott.

Withdrawal of Sir Delius

Sir Delius, a five-year-old stallion, has also been pulled from the upcoming Cox Plate. His removal from these prestigious races is disappointing for the trainers, particularly as they aimed to secure their first victory in the Cox Plate and a second Melbourne Cup win.

Health Concerns and Safety Protocols

Despite recent wins in prestigious Group 1 races, Sir Delius was deemed at a “heightened risk of injury” based on mandatory CT and PET scans of his legs. Racing Victoria released a statement detailing these findings, leading to the decision to rule him out for the rest of the spring carnival.

• Recent Group 1 wins include the Underwood Stakes and Turnbull Stakes.
• Sir Delius recently switched from France to the Waterhouse and Bott stable.
• He had previously finished eighth in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.

Implications for Connections and Fans

Regular jockey Craig Williams now faces the challenge of finding new rides for both the Melbourne Cup and Cox Plate. Sir Delius is owned by Sir Owen Glenn, a New Zealand businessman.

All runners in the Melbourne Cup are required to undergo CT scans by Thursday, October 30. The stringent safety protocols, implemented since 2021, have ensured that there have been no fatalities in recent years.

Last year, Racing Victoria withdrew five horses in the days leading up to the Melbourne Cup, sparking criticism from trainers, including Aidan O’Brien, who expressed concerns about the rigorous criteria especially for young horses still maturing.

Sir Delius’s scratching raises further discussions regarding horse safety and the challenges of competitive racing in Australia. With the spring carnival underway, fans will be eager to see how the landscape shifts without the presence of this favored competitor.