Irish raider Jan Brueghel, one of the pre-race favourites for next Tuesday’s Melbourne Cup, has been withdrawn from the race after veterinary advice.

The European star, who has won all four starts in his short career, was taken out of the Cup field on Tuesday.

A stewards’ report from Racing Victoria announced that Jan Brueghel was withdrawn from the entry list following compulsory CT scans on Saturday. 

“Reports received from an expert panel of internationally renowned equine surgeons and diagnostic imaging specialists, who reviewed Jan Brueghel’s CT scan results, indicate that the horse is currently at heightened risk of injury,” the report said. 

“Following advice from RV Veterinary Services in relation to the specialist opinions from the independent imaging panel, RV Stewards ordered the withdrawal of Jan Brueghel from the Melbourne Cup on the basis that he was unsuitable to compete.”

Jan Brueghel is undefeated in four starts and truly announced himself on the world stage in September when he triumphed in the Group 1 Leger Stakes in England.

Pre-race favourite Via Sistina has still not been confirmed for the race next Tuesday, following a record-breaking Cox Plate victory. 

Piloted by James McDonald, Via Sistina won the Cox Plate in record time, beating the previous mark held by the legendary Winx.