Roy Higgins winner Deakin has been the latest horse to have been ruled out of the Lexus Melbourne Cup by Racing Victoria’s protocols.
The chestnut gelding failed his CT Scan during the week and will be scratched from the 3200m classic on Tuesday week. It follows the removal of race favourite Sir Delius after the Gai Waterhouse trained galloper also failed his scan.
OTI’s Terry Henderson confirmed the news, with Deakin’s campaign now over.
“Very disappointing news, he now spells but his long term prognosis is good,” said Henderson.
The Phillip Stokes charge had been building up to the Melbourne Cup via the Turnbull Stakes and Caulfield Cup, having run well in both races despite not figuring in the placings.
The Stokes stable released a statement on Sunday afternoon.
“Earlier this afternoon we were regrettably advised that following the latest scans conducted at the Werribee Equine Centre, the RV Veterinary Services Team have ruled Deakin out of running in the 2025 Melbourne Cup.”
“Whilst obviously very disappointing news to all involved, as we have never encountered any soundness issues with the horse, we will cop the decision on the chin.”
“Our thoughts go out to Terry Henderson’s OTI and all of his connections as they have had their dreams of a Melbourne Cup victory with him squashed with the delivery of this news.”
The news leaves Daniel Stackhouse without a ride in the Cup, although he could be in the mix for Moonee Valley Cup runner up Athabascan.
It’s an unfortunate blow for OTI Racing, who were looking at starting three horses in the race with Athabascan and Mark Twain.
OTI Racing have long been chasing Cup success with international gallopers from across the globe. In 2008, they came within a whisker of victory with the Luca Cumani-trained Bauer, who was beaten by Viewed.
Henderson tasted Melbourne Cup success as a part owner of Doriemus who won the 1995 edition for Lee Freedman and Damien Oliver.
