Overview
- Racing Victoria announced on Thursday that Saint George has been stood down and scratched from the 2026 Melbourne Cup and the remainder of the spring carnival after specialist imaging showed heightened risk of injury.
- The decision followed a CT scan that raised concerns and a Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan at the University of Melbourne Equine Centre, with an imaging panel advising RV Veterinary Services to act.
- Saint George’s withdrawal reshuffles the order of entry for the 24-horse field, which opens a potential slot for Bendigo Cup winner So You Are if a weight penalty is applied and guarantees Hopewell Rock a start.
- Trainer Ciaron Maher loses one of his leading chances but still has seven other runners remaining in the Cup, altering his tactical options and the stable’s overall chances.
- Mandatory pre-race CT and PET scanning were introduced after multiple horse fatalities between 2013 and 2020 to reduce catastrophic injuries, and this case shows how veterinary imaging can override form to protect horse welfare.