A field of 22 will compete in the 2022 Melbourne Cup, following the scratching of the Grahame Begg-trained Lunar Flare on Tuesday morning.
Having presented lame on inspection on Monday morning, the winner of The Bart Cummings was re-inspected on raceday morning still presenting with lameness in the off fore and was not passed fit.
Prior to scratching, Lunar Flare was an $18 chance to win this year’s Melbourne Cup.
Having partnered the mare to victory in the Bart Cummings, the scratching leaves Caulfield Cup-winning jockey Michael Dee without a ride in the Melbourne Cup, joining the likes of Damien Oliver and James McDonald on the sidelines for the great race.
The mare joins Point Nepean as the two scratchings in this year’s Melbourne Cup and for the first time since 2014, it will be 22 horses who compete in this years Cup.
The Ciaron Maher & David Eustace-trained Interpretation had improved upon inspection this morning having presented lame on Monday, but was passed as suitable to race.
The 2022 Melbourne Cup will jump at 3pm AEDT on Tuesday, November 1 at Flemington Racecourse.