The withdrawal of Japanese contender Stinger Glass from the Melbourne Cup looms as a financial and political disaster for Racing Victoria.
Stinger Glass joined St George as the two horses to fail the mandatory pre-race Melbourne Cup scans on Friday.
It’s disappointing that Japan will not have a runner in this year’s Cup, and the withdrawal will also have financial implications, with Japanese punters betting on the race through their own pool.
The Japan Racing Association (JRA) confirmed on Friday afternoon that they would still be on the race, despite Stinger Glass been withdrawn. However, without a Japanese runner, turnover from that market is expected to plummet.
Racing Victoria and the VRC have worked hard to entice Japanese runners back to the Melbourne Cup, not only because their quality adds depth to the field, but also because Japan represents a significant wagering market.
The fact that Stinger Glass travelled all the way to Melbourne before undergoing the scans required to be cleared for the race that stops a nation could have a flow-on effect.
Japanese connections rarely travel their horses, largely because of the enormous prizemoney available at home, and they don’t need any further deterrents to bringing their horses to Australia.
Do the JRA still bet on the Melbourne Cup, precedents set says that they do however they have the option to pull the pin on it.
First time they will have offered it since 2019 if they do.
Let’s see
— Graham Pavey (@LongBallToNoOne) October 30, 2026
Unlike European horses, Japanese runners cannot undergo the required scans at home before boarding the plane.
Stinger Glass’s withdrawal opens the door for Future History to enter the 24-horse field, with last year’s Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Jamie Melham booked to ride.
