O’Brien confirmed on Monday that his runner, Young Werther, would be withdrawn from the 2021 Melbourne Cup which takes place in just over a week.
In a statement put out by O’Brien, the stable revealed that a CT Scan had discovered an ‘area of concern’ which would have made his participation in the race a risk to the animals welfare.
Young Werther was already guaranteed a start in the race sitting at 12th in the order of entry at the time of withdrawal.
It’s a significant blow for the O’Brien team after Young Werther had finished 8th in the Caulfield Cup last time out and had finished just half a length off Melbourne Cup favourite Incentivise in the Turnbull Stakes one start prior.
Connections for Young Werther were said to be disappointed by the decision but thankful that the new preventative measures had stopped any further injury impacting the horse.
Young Werther was $34 in betting at the time of withdrawal from the 2021 Melbourne Cup with long term market favourite Incentivise who sits on top of the betting at $2.50.
Fourth acceptances were taken for the race on Monday with a total of 35 horses still in the running for a start next Tuesday.
As a result of the withdrawal of Young Werther, the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott import Sir Lucan has jumped into 24th spot for the race.