Last year's Melbourne Cup winning trainer Danny O'Brien has lost one of his four runners from this year's race with the scratching of King Of Leogrance.

Racing Victoria stewards said a race morning veterinary inspection of King Of Leogrance found the Adelaide Cup winner was presenting with lameness in the off foreleg.

Stewards ruled the scratching of King Of Leogrance, reducing this year's Melbourne Cup field to 23 runners.

Owner Nick Williams said King Of Leogrance presented with a pulse in his foot and described the scratching as "terribly disappointing".

O'Brien will still saddle up three runners in the race - last year's winner Vow And Declare along with Russian Camelot and Miami Bound.

Nick and Lloyd Williams have another two represenatatives in Master Of Reality and Twilight Payment.