Joseph O’Brien confident leading contender will pass Melbourne Cup vet inspection

Trainer Joseph O’Brien is confident that his leading Melbourne Cup contender, Defiantly, will pass a second veterinary examination ahead of Tuesday's race at Flemington. Racing Victoria officials ordered further checks after detecting gait changes during Thursday's mandatory inspections. The four-year-old also presented without a right hind shoe and will be re-examined on Saturday morning after being reshod.

Speaking from Keeneland in the United States, O'Brien confirmed he is satisfied with the horse's condition, noting that rigorous veterinary scrutiny is standard in modern international racing. Defiantly secured ballot exemption by winning France's Prix Kergorlay earlier this year, as O'Brien targets a third Melbourne Cup victory following previous wins with Rekindling and Twilight Payment.