RV Stewards' Report - Grand Pierro

Racing Victoria (RV) Stewards, acting on veterinary advice, have today ordered the withdrawal of the Jason Warren-trained Grand Pierro from the entries for the 2025 Lexus Melbourne Cup (3200m) where it was 31st in the Order of Entry.

In accordance with the conditions of the Lexus Melbourne Cup, Grand Pierro was this week presented at the University of Melbourne Equine Centre 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 Grand Pierro indicated that the horse is currently at heightened risk of injury.

In accordance with the veterinary protocols, the Warren stable was informed today and offered the opportunity for Grand Pierro to undergo a Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan to help determine the status of an area of concern. This scan will occur tomorrow (Friday, 31 October).

Under the conditions of the Melbourne Cup a horse must be fit to compete in the race as if it was held on the actual day that the declaration of final acceptances closes, that being on Saturday, 1 November at 4.30pm (AEDT).

RV Veterinary Services have advised RV Stewards that Grand Pierro will not be in a suitable condition to race at the declaration of final acceptances, irrespective of the results, on the basis that the sedation required to undertake the PET scan will still be in the horse’s system.

Accordingly, RV Stewards, acting on advice from RV Veterinary Services in relation to both the suitability of the horse to accept and the specialist opinions from the imaging panel, have removed Grand Pierro from the Lexus Melbourne Cup entries. 

Looking ahead, the results from Grand Pierro’s PET scan at the University of Melbourne Equine Centre will be shared with the same three panel members that examined the horse’s CT scan results for their review. 

The panel members’ individual reports and subsequent advice from RV Veterinary Services, will help RV Stewards determine whether Grand Pierro can return to racing during the 2025 Spring Racing Carnival or whether an embargo will remain on the horse pending veterinary clearance.