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Melbourne Cup Scratchings 2026
The road from 101 nominations to 24 runners claimed some big names β none bigger than Defiantly, scratched on the morning of the barrier draw. Every withdrawal, and what it means.
The horses who won't be there
Defiantly Derby morning (31 Oct)
Failed a veterinary examination on the morning of the barrier draw β the market's leading international fancy, gone less than 72 hours before the race. Kizlyar took his place.
Saint George Cup week
Withdrawn earlier in Cup week on veterinary advice β one of two late outs that reshaped the bottom of the field.
Stinger Glass Cup week
Japan's hope was withdrawn during Cup week, ending the Japanese challenge before the draw.
Aeliana & Birdman Third declarations
The Chris Waller pair came out a week before the race after placing in the Cox Plate β the Cup was never the priority target.
How Cup scratchings work
The final field of 24 is locked in on Victoria Derby Day, but horses can still come out on Cup morning if they fail the pre-race veterinary inspection or pull up lame from a final gallop. It happens rarely β but it happens, and it moves the market instantly.
For live scratching feeds on Cup Day, use our scratchings page and the 2026 Cup field page, which we update as soon as any change is confirmed.
More 2026 Melbourne Cup coverage
Frequently asked questions
Why was Defiantly scratched from the 2026 Melbourne Cup?βΊ
He failed a veterinary examination on the morning of the barrier draw (Derby Day, Saturday 31 October 2026) β a shattering blow for Joseph O'Brien, for whom he was the leading fancy.
Who replaced Defiantly in the 2026 Cup field?βΊ
Kizlyar, also trained by Joseph O'Brien, who gained the final spot in the 24-horse field and will be ridden by Beau Mertens from barrier 20.
Where can I see Melbourne Cup scratchings live?βΊ
Racing Victoria publishes official scratchings, and our scratchings page tracks them live through Cup Day.