Defending champion Protectionist ruled out of 2015 Melbourne Cup

Protectionist2014 Melbourne Cup winner Protectionist was one of two guaranteed entrants to pull out of the Melbourne Cup this week.

The Kris Lees-trained runner will not defend its 2014 title after Lees revealed that it pulled up from its Caulfield run with severe bone bruising.

Protectionist has struggled since winning at Flemington last year, battling bone bruising problems throughout the autumn. Lees says an extended spell away from the track is the only solution to the champion’s problems.

“He will need a minimum six months out,” Lees said.

“The bruising is severe.”

“When you flex or stretch him there is no sign of any problem because it’s in the bone.

“You don’t see it until you do an MRI and he doesn’t feel it until he’s going fast.

“He’s also torn a few muscles across his back.”

Joining Protectionist on the sidelines this spring is Let’s Make Adeal, which suffered a tendon injury last week.

The Nigel Blackiston-trained runner booked its place in the Melbourne Cup by winning the Group 3 Bart Cummings at Flemington, but a devastating injury will see it miss the great race.

“Terrible news this morning,” Blackiston tweeted on Thursday.

“Let’s Make Adeal has pulled up lame after work.

“Early signs indicate that it is her off-fore tendon.”

South Australian jockey Dom Tourneur also tweeted about the bad news.

“Absolutely shattering,” he tweeted.

“Such a tragedy to all the team.”

Melbourne Cup Order of Entry Top 30 with odds

1. Mongolian Khan – $11
2. Snow Sky – $26
3. Criterion – $17
4. Fame Game – $4.60
5. Bondi Beach – $17
6. Our Ivanhowe – $21
7. Hartnell – $21
8. Hokko Brave – $17
9. Big Orange – $26
10. Preferment – $9
11. Trip to Paris – $8
12. Red Cadeaux – $21
13. Max Dynamite – $17
14. Who Shot Thebarman – $12
15. Rising Romance – $67
16. Hauraki
17. The Offer – $151
18. Gust of Wind – $21
19. Set Square – $81
20. Sky Hunter – $21
21. Grand Marshal – $34
22. Gallante
23. Magicool – $151
24. Quest For More – $67
25. Amralah – $13
26. Kingfisher – $21 at Sportsbet.com.au
27. Almoonqith – $15
28. Bondeiger – $201
29. Dibayani
30. Prince of Penzance

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