Defiantly withdrawn from Melbourne Cup after vet rules him unsuitable

Long-time Melbourne Cup contender Defiantly has been sensationally withdrawn after veterinary advice deemed the international stayer unsuitable to race. The decision removes a familiar name from the field and comes shortly before the big event. 7NEWS Sport reported the withdrawal, saying veterinarians advised that Defiantly should not compete. Organisers and connections moved to act on that advice and confirmed the gelding will not take part. The removal of an international stayer with a long record in lead-up discussions will alter the make-up of the Cup field.