Hopewell Rock set as favourite after Asterix scratched for medication breach
Hopewell Rock is the favourite. Asterix was scratched after stewards found forbidden medication on the horse.
Stewards scratched Chris Waller-trained Asterix from the Melbourne Cup after finding a topical medication called Penetrene had been applied to the four-year-old colt on race morning. Penetrene is used to relieve muscle strains and soreness but is classified as medication and is not permitted on race day unless stewards approve it.
The breach was discovered ahead of the 166th Melbourne Cup at Flemington. British horse Hopewell Rock enters as favourite for the race.
The track is rated Soft 5 after recent rain. Milder spring weather is expected as the day unfolds.
- Asterix (four-year-old colt)
- Horse scratched
- Chris Waller
- Trainer
- Penetrene (topical)
- Unauthorized medication
- 24
- Total horses originally entered
Why it mattersStrict medication rules exist to ensure horses compete on equal footing and to protect animal welfare; breaches carry serious consequences.
AustraliaThe scratching reshapes betting markets and field composition for Australia's most watched horse race, which stops the nation each year.
Corroborated by7news.com.au
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
