Whanganui veteran galloper and Melbourne Cup contender Who Shot Thebarman has been ruled out of his fourth attempt at the great race tomorrow due to an elevated temperature.
Sydney-based Kiwi trainer Chris Waller informed chief steward Terry Bailey of the decision on Sunday afternoon.
"This afternoon when returning to the stables Who Shot Thebarman presented with an elevated temperature and due to the level of elevation I have no option but to withdraw the horse from the 2017 Emirates Melbourne Cup," he said.
"It is obviously of great disappointment to the owners, my staff and I, however the welfare of the horse comes first and for that reason he must be scratched from Tuesday's race."
The 9-year-old, raced by brothers Dan, Humphrey, Michael and Shaun O'Leary and their wives, was trying to become the oldest winner of the Group 1 Melbourne Cup (3200m).