JAN HAMMER BLOW AS CUP BID CRUSHED

AN EXTREMELY disappointed Aidan O'Brien will reroute Jan Brueghel to the Hong Kong Vase after the St Leger winner was ruled out of the Melbourne Cup having failed a pre-race veterinary check in Australia.

- MELISSA JONES

The Galileo colt was the ante-post favourite to provide his trainer with a first victory in Tuesday's Flemington showpiece, having extended his unbeaten record to four in last month's Betfred-sponsored Doncaster Classic.

But the three-yearold's participation has been scuppered following a routine veterinary inspection that has become mandatory for all entrants.