Angry trainer David Hayes has slammed vets who ordered Changingoftheguard out of the Melbourne Cup.
Racing Victoria's chief vet Dr Paul O'Callaghan inspected the European import on Monday and was not happy with his action.
After another examination on Tuesday morning, O'Callaghan and two other vets said he could not run in the Cup.
"They see lameness that is not there," Hayes told reporters at Flemington.
"The horse is not lame." Changingoftheguard's Cup leadup was interrupted by a foot abscess two weeks ago, but he recovered and worked well on Sunday.
His withdrawal leaves triple Melbourne Cup winning jockey Glen Boss without a ride.
The Bart Cummings-trained Viewed, winner of the race last year, remains favourite ahead of Alcopop.
