Japanese Melbourne Cup 2026 contender ruled out after veterinary scans

Japanese Melbourne Cup contender Stinger Glass has been ruled out of Tuesday’s $10.2 million feature at Flemington after Racing Victoria veterinarians determined the stayer was at an increased risk of injury.

Racing Victoria stewards confirmed on Friday morning that the Yasuo Tomomichi-trained galloper had been withdrawn from the Melbourne Cup (3200m) following specialist assessments of CT and PET scans.

The decision also rules Stinger Glass out of the remainder of the 2026 Spring Racing Carnival.

Stinger Glass had initially been cleared to travel to Australia after undergoing an MRI scan in Japan on August 26.

That scan was reviewed by an independent panel of veterinary imaging specialists, who determined the horse was suitable to continue preparations for the Melbourne Cup.

The Japanese stayer subsequently completed two weeks of pre-export quarantine before arriving at the Werribee International Horse Centre on October 12.

However, concerns emerged after Stinger Glass underwent a compulsory CT scan at the University of Melbourne Equine Centre on October 27.

Three independent imaging specialists reviewed the results and advised Racing Victoria that the horse was at heightened risk of injury.

Connections were subsequently given the opportunity to have Stinger Glass undergo a PET scan to further investigate the area of concern.

The additional scan was conducted at Werribee on Thursday afternoon, with the results reviewed overnight by the same independent panel.

After assessing both sets of scans, the specialists maintained their original finding that Stinger Glass was at increased risk of injury.

Racing Victoria stewards subsequently ordered the horse’s withdrawal, with connections in Australia and Japan informed of the decision.