Defiantly Scratched From Melbourne Cup
Stewards withdrew the O'Brien-trained horse three days before the race over concerns about his gait.
Updated on Nov. 1, 2026 in Equestrian
Stewards scratched Defiantly from the Melbourne Cup on Saturday, three days before the race, citing concerns about his gait. His withdrawal gives stablemate Kizlyar a start in the field of 24.
Why it matters
The field for Australia's biggest race locks at 4.30pm on Saturday because betting technology cannot handle late inclusions. Any scratchings after that point leave fewer runners rather than substitute horses entering.
The Melbourne Cup field is capped at 24 runners and locked at 4.30pm on Saturday, with Defiantly's withdrawal made before that cut-off. Whether the gait concern affects his future racing is not yet known.
The players
Joseph O'Brien
Irish-born trainer whose stable has five runners in this year's Melbourne Cup, including Defiantly.
Dylan Brown-McMonagle
Jockey who will ride Sons And Lovers from barrier three in the Melbourne Cup.
James McDonald
Jockey who will ride Trustyourinstinct from barrier 18 in the Melbourne Cup.
Craig Williams
Jockey who will ride James J Braddock from barrier 24 in the Melbourne Cup.
The details
Defiantly was withdrawn by stewards over concerns about his gait, and the decision came before he could show any improvement. Trainer Joseph O'Brien's racing manager has called for emergency entries to be added to the Melbourne Cup.
Timeline
Saturday, 4.30pm: Melbourne Cup field locks at 24 runners.
Saturday: Defiantly scratched by stewards, three days before the race.
Saturday: Melbourne Cup race day.
Monday: Joseph O'Brien due to fly in from the Breeders' Cup.
Season Trajectory
The Melbourne Cup's rule that the field locks at 4.30pm on Saturday, with no substitutions after that point, means late withdrawals shrink the field rather than admit reserve horses. Defiantly's scratching under that framework illustrates how the race's entry structure shapes the final line-up.
Fantasy and betting entries for the Melbourne Cup must account for Defiantly's removal, which leaves the O'Brien stable with five runners and gives Kizlyar a start. Punters should check the final 24-runner field before Saturday's 4.30pm lock.
The takeaway
Late scratchings can reduce a Melbourne Cup field rather than replace the withdrawn horse, so the 4.30pm Saturday lock is the decisive moment for entries. Readers following the race should watch that cut-off closely.
What happens next
Joseph O'Brien is due to fly in from the Breeders' Cup on Monday, and Defiantly may run in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes on Saturday.
Further reading
Explore more Equestrian coverage across Australia.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WAtoday.
