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Away He Goes has been ruled out of the Melbourne Cup because of a tendon injury, reducing European participation in the race to two runners.
The Goodwood Cup runner-up was due to be ridden by top jockey James McDonald at Flemington but was scratched on Wednesday.
Racing Victoria stewards said the Ismail Mohammed-trained stayer has suffered a mild tendon strain on his right front leg.
The news is a bitter blow to Mohammed who was set to have his first runners in both the Melbourne Cup and Breeders' Cup next week but will now rely on Zain Claudette to pursue his international ambitions at Del Mar.
Away He Goes had been 10-1 third favourite for the Melbourne Cup and his withdrawal leaves 2020 winner Twilight Payment and Spanish Mission to shoulder British and Irish hopes.
McDonald looks set to be left without a ride unless Verry Elleegant takes her place in the field. McDonald has been the mare's regular rider in Sydney but the mount went to Damian Lane for her campaign in Victoria where she finished third in the Cox Plate last weekend.
Trainer Chris Waller said: "Verry Elleegant is recovering well from her brilliant Cox Plate performance. There have been a number of enquiries in relation to her running in the Melbourne Cup and we will use all of this week to ensure she is in the best possible condition before making a decision."
