Japanese star Stinger Glass has been withdrawn from the Melbourne Cup after failing key safety scans.
Speculation had been rife that the stayer had not passed his veterinary checks, drifting significantly in the betting markets on Wednesday and Thursday.
On Friday, Racing Victoria confirmed the horse would not take its place in the race.
The case surrounding Stinger Glass is curious due to equine standing CT scans not being available in Japan.
It’s a blow to the race given the significant amount of work RV and the Victoria Racing Club had undertaken to attract Japanese runners back to the Melbourne Cup.
🚨 STINGER GLASS IS OUT OF THE CUP🚨
@PaulTatnell https://t.co/ZmiElYcRB1— Betsy (@betsy_com_au) October 30, 2026
The safety scan was introduced following a number of fatalities in the Cup. Since the measures were introduced, there has not been a single fatality.
According to RV, Stinger Glass passed an initial MRI scan in Japan on August 26 before travelling to Australia.
‘’In accordance with RV’s veterinary protocols for international horses wishing to compete in the Spring Racing Carnival and quarantine at the Werribee International Horse Centre (WIHC), Stinger Glass underwent a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan in Japan on 26 August 2026,’’ the RV statement said.
‘’MRI scans are permitted for international horses only where the higher definition and preferred Computed Tomography (CT) scan is not reasonably available. In the case of Stinger Glass, Japan does not currently have a standing equine CT scanner.
‘’The results of all mandatory scans taken under RV’s veterinary protocols are reviewed by an independent panel of diagnostic imaging specialists which comprises representatives from the UK, USA and Australia. Three of the seven members are nominated to review the scans for each horse independent of one another.
‘’The nominated panel members reported to RV Veterinary Services at the time that, based on the MRI scan results, Stinger Glass was suitable to continue his progression through the veterinary protocols and ultimately travel to Australia to compete.
‘’After completing two weeks Pre-Export Quarantine (PEQ) in Japan where he remained in work, Stinger Glass was transported to Australia and arrived at the WIHC on Monday, 12 October 2026 where he has continued his training whilst completing his Australian Government-mandated two-week Post-Arrival Quarantine (PAQ).’’
RV said that Stinger Glass undertook his CT scans on Tuesday.
‘’The three members from the independent imaging review panel assigned to review the CT scan results for Stinger Glass, reported to RV Veterinary Services that the CT scan results indicated the horse is currently at heightened risk of injury,’’ the statement said.
