Trainer Hughie Morrison has announced plans to appeal the decision by Racing Victoria stewards to withdraw Marmelo from next week's Melbourne Cup. The six-year-old, who finished second in last year's race, was found to have two incomplete fractures in his fore and hind legs following a scan.
Racing Victoria vets ordered the scan after detecting soreness in Marmelo. The results revealed an incomplete fracture in the near fore cannon bone and another in the off hind cannon bone. Stewards subsequently ordered the horse's withdrawal under AR20(d), citing safety concerns for the horse, competitors, and riders.
Morrison, who arrived in Australia on Tuesday, described the stewards' interpretation of the scan as 'inaccurate and unfounded' and is seeking an appeal. He noted that he is not the only trainer affected by such decisions. The withdrawal leaves jockey Hugh Bowman without a ride in the Cup.
In a separate development, Charlie Appleby's Ispolini was also withdrawn after a scan indicated pre-fracture pathology in its right front cannon bone. This adds to Godolphin's woes, as Red Galileo was previously ruled out after pulling up lame. Godolphin will now rely on Cross Counter, the 2018 winner, who is set to carry top weight.
