RV Stewards' Report - Deakin
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Racing Victoria (RV) Stewards, acting on specialist veterinary advice, have today ordered the withdrawal of the Phillip Stokes-trained Deakin from the entries for the 2025 Lexus Melbourne Cup at Flemington on 4 November.
In accordance with the conditions of the Lexus Melbourne Cup, Deakin was presented at the University of Melbourne Equine Centre in Werribee for a compulsory Computed Tomography (CT) scan of its distal limbs.
CT scan results are reviewed by an independent panel of diagnostic imaging specialists which comprises representatives from Australia, UK and USA. Three members are nominated to review the scans for each horse independent of one another.
The nominated panel members reported to RV Veterinary Services that the CT scan results for Deakin indicated that the horse is currently at heightened risk of injury.
Given the imaging panel’s advice, in accordance with RV’s enhanced 2025 veterinary protocols, the Stokes stable was afforded the opportunity for Deakin to undergo a Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan which can help determine the status of an area of concern.
Deakin subsequently presented for a PET scan at the University of Melbourne Equine Centre and the results were shared with the same three panel members for review.
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 Deakin is currently at heightened risk of injury.
Following advice from RV Veterinary Services in relation to the specialist opinions from the imaging panel, RV Stewards have stood down Deakin from competing in the remainder of the 2025 Spring Racing Carnival. The connections have been appraised of the key information relied upon in making this decision.