Japanese entire Stinger Glass will not participate in next week’s Melbourne Cup after failing to pass Racing Victoria’s compulsory pre-race scans.
Racing Victoria confirmed on Friday morning that its independent imaging review panel assessed the Yasuo Tomomichi-trained entire as being at a greater risk of injury following both CT and PET scans performed this week.
As a result, the six-year-old son of Kizuna has been sidelined for the remainder of the 2026 Spring Carnival.
“In accordance with the conditions of the Lexus Melbourne Cup, Stinger Glass was presented on Tuesday, 27 October 2026 at the University of Melbourne Equine Centre in Werribee for a compulsory CT scan of its distal limbs,” RV’s statement declared.
“The three members from the independent imaging review panel assigned to review the CT scan results for Stinger Glass, reported to RV Veterinary Services that the CT scan results indicated the horse is currently at heightened risk of injury.”
“Given the imaging panel’s advice, in accordance with RV’s veterinary protocols, the Tomomichi stable was afforded the opportunity for Stinger Glass to undergo a Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan which can help determine the status of an area of concern.”
“Stinger Glass presented yesterday afternoon (Thursday, 28 October 2026) for a PET scan at the University of Melbourne Equine Centre and the results were shared with three members of the imaging panel for review overnight Australian time.”
“Having reviewed the PET scan results alongside the CT scan results, the panel members have advised RV Veterinary Services that they remain of the view that Stinger Glass is currently at heightened risk of injury.”
“Following advice from RV Veterinary Services in relation to the specialist opinions from the imaging review panel, RV Stewards have this morning stood down Stinger Glass from competing in the remainder of the 2026 Spring Racing Carnival.”
Stinger Glass is now among the notable scratchings, joining Ciaron Maher’s Saint George, who also had an automatic entry into the $10 million Group 1 Melbourne Cup, after failing the rigorous scanning process.
An additional three horses are still awaiting official clearance for the 2026 Melbourne Cup, having not passed Thursday’s initial physical examination. These runners will be re-examined by RV veterinarians before final acceptances are lodged.
The one-time favourite, Defiantly, was presented without a right hind shoe and displayed a change in its gait compared to previous veterinary examinations. This horse is scheduled for a re-examination on Saturday morning once re-shod, alongside Enfjaar and Wine Dark Sea.
Vauban and Litzdeel, who also failed Thursday’s examinations, were reinspected on Friday and have now been deemed suitable for racing.
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