One of the leading contenders for this year’s spring majors, Sir Delius, has been withdrawn from both the Melbourne Cup and Cox Plate following veterinary advice that deemed the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained galloper at heightened risk of injury.
Racing Victoria stewards confirmed the decision on Friday after specialist scans identified potential issues with the five-year-old’s limbs. As part of the pre-race clearance process for the Melbourne Cup (3200m), Sir Delius underwent CT (Computed Tomography) scans at the University of Melbourne Equine Centre in Werribee earlier this week.
Those scans were reviewed by a panel of imaging experts from Australia, the UK, and the USA, who determined the horse presented a higher-than-acceptable risk of injury. A follow-up PET (Positron Emission Tomography) scan was conducted on Thursday to further assess the concern, but after reviewing the results, the specialists reaffirmed their view.
On that basis, Racing Victoria Veterinary Services advised that Sir Delius be stood down from all remaining spring carnival races.
Sir Delius had been among the favourites for both the Cox Plate (2040m) at Moonee Valley next week and the Melbourne Cup at Flemington on November 4. His withdrawal comes after an impressive campaign highlighted by victories in the Turnbull Stakes (2000m) and the Underwood Stakes (1800m).
Purchased specifically to target Australia’s two most prestigious races, Sir Delius was seen as a genuine chance to deliver a historic spring double for the Waterhouse–Bott stable.
Racing Victoria first introduced mandatory pre-race scans for all Melbourne Cup hopefuls in 2021 following the death of Anthony Van Dyke in the 2020 Melbourne Cup. Since then, there have been no fatalities in the race, with the protocols widely regarded as a crucial safeguard for equine welfare.
Betting markets for both the Melbourne Cup and Cox Plate are expected to shift significantly following Sir Delius’ withdrawal. For updated odds and promotions, visit Australia’s top betting sites.