Cox Plate and Melbourne Cup favourite Sir Delius has been sensationally scratched from both races on the order of Racing Victoria stewards, with owners telling Betsy they are “devastated” by the news.
Go Bloodstock racing manager Steve O’Connor said, “We’re devastated, because the horse has been flying.”
“We will talk to our vets in the next couple of days before making decisions about the future.”
Despite winning the Group 1 Turnbull Stakes in stunning fashion only weeks ago, a panel of vets ruled the 5-year-old risked injury after compulsory scans before the Melbourne Cup.
The compulsory scans, brought in following several deaths in the Cup, are designed to pick up potential injuries before the 3200m race. But they have also caused controversy in some racing circles, seen by some as being too prohibitive and strict.
The Gai Waterhouse trained star was ordered out of the race after vets viewed his compulsory scans, with a panel of vets ruling the ”CT scan results for Sir Delius indicated that the horse is currently at heightened risk of injury”.
According to an RV statement, Sir Delius was presented this week at the University of Melbourne Equine Centre in Werribee for a compulsory Computed Tomography (CT) scan of its distal limbs.
”CT scan results are reviewed by an independent panel of diagnostic imaging specialists which comprises representatives from Australia, UK and USA. Three members are nominated to review the scans for each horse independent of one another,” the statement said.
”The nominated panel members reported to RV Veterinary Services that the CT scan results for Sir Delius indicated that the horse is currently at heightened risk of injury.”
”Given the imaging panel’s advice, in accordance with RV’s enhanced 2025 veterinary protocols, the Waterhouse-Bott stable was afforded the opportunity for Sir Delius to undergo a Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan which can help determine the status of an area of concern.”
”Sir Delius presented yesterday (Thursday, 16 October) for a PET scan at the University of Melbourne Equine Centre and the results were shared with the same three members of the imaging panel for review over the past 24 hours.”
”Having reviewed the PET scan results alongside the CT scan results, the panel members have advised RV Veterinary Services that they remain of the view that Sir Delius is currently at heightened risk of injury.”
”Following advice from RV Veterinary Services in relation to the specialist opinions from the imaging panel, RV Stewards have stood down Sir Delius from competing in the remainder of the 2025 Spring Racing Carnival. The Stewards have appraised the connections of the key information that they relied upon in making their decision.”
Ladbrokes are going to refund all bets on Sir Delius for both the Cox Plate and Melbourne Cup.
