International raider Jan Brueghel out of Melbourne Cup

Irish raider Jan Brueghel will not race in the 2024 Melbourne Cup.

Coolmore Australia’s Tom Magnier confirmed the news on SENTrack’s Giddy Up that the Aidan O’Brien-trained galloper has been ruled out of the race that stops a nation.

Magnier says the decision was made by Racing Victoria (RV) vets to withdraw the third favourite from next Tuesday’s Cup.

“We’ve learned this morning that Jan Brueghel won’t be taking his place in the Melbourne Cup this year,” Magnier told Gareth Hall.

“He went through all the protocols in Ireland before departing to come down here. The lads have been very happy with the horse, he’s been bouncing out there in quarantine (at Werribee).

“But the vets have come up with the decision that has been made that he doesn’t pass the veterinary inspection to run in the Melbourne Cup.”

Magnier is adamant that Jan Brueghel did not sustain any injuries while at Werribee and is extremely disappointed with the decision that has been made.

“The decision was Racing Victoria’s,” he added.

“We’re very disappointed. Obviously I’m extremely disappointed for the staff, all our team that have put in so much work both at home, travelling down and getting him here. I really feel for them because they were excited about this.

“But at the end of the day at Coolmore the horse comes first. A decision has been made and that’s that.”

The unbeaten Jan Brueghel, who won the St Leger in September, arrived in Australia less than three weeks ago.

Listen to the chat with Magnier below:

Image: Racing Post Bloodstock