Ispolini withdrawn from Melbourne Cup

Ispolini will miss the G1 Melbourne Cup after Racing Victoria stewards ordered the withdrawal of the four-year-old upon veterinary advice.

The son of Dubawi displayed signs of soreness over the weekend and a CT scan at the University of Melbourne Equine Clinic revealed pre-fracture pathology in his right front cannon bone.

Charlie Appleby said: “It is obviously disappointing that Ispolini will miss the Melbourne Cup but the welfare of the horse always comes first and we understand that we must abide with racing jurisdictions around the world.

“Racing Victoria head vet Dr Grace Forbes and the Racing Victoria stewards have determined that Ispolini shouldn’t run and we respect that decision. Thankfully, we still have a live contender for the race in Cross Counter.”