Sixty-six horses remain in the running for the $10 million Melbourne Cup following the first declaration stage.
When’s Tuesday’s deadline passed, last year’s winner Knight’s Choice was a confirmed omission.
An outbreak of strangles in the Victorian satellite team of Sheila Laxon and John Symons has put paid to any chance Knight’s Choice had of defending his crown.
From an original overall entry of 119 horses, there are 11 internationals among the first acceptors, including the $5 equal Al Riffa who has gone into quarantine in Ireland ahead of his trip to Australia in mid-November.
Reigning Australian Horse of the Year, Via Sistina, is still among the entries.
The second declaration stage for the Melbourne Cup is on October 14.