Trish Dunell Photography
Kiwi bred Melbourne Cup contender Who Shot Thebarman has been ruled out of his fourth attempt at the great race due to an elevated temperature.
Trainer Chris Waller informed chief steward Terry Bailey of the decision on Sunday afternoon.
“This afternoon when returning to the stables Who Shot Thebarman presented with an elevated temperature and due to the level of elevation I have no option but to withdraw the horse from the 2017 Emirates Melbourne Cup,” he said.
“It is obviously of great disappointment to the owners, my staff and I, however the welfare of the horse comes first and for that reason he must be scratched from Tuesdays’ race.”
Waller had been pleased with the horse following his win in the Gr. 2 Moonee Valley Cup with the withdrawal scuppering the chance for the horse to repeat his placing from the 2014 edition of the Cup. – NZ Racing Desk