Melbourne Cup runner-up under scrutiny - report

Melbourne Cup runner-up Bauer is at the centre of an investigation by Racing Victoria Ltd (RVL) stewards into his pre-race treatment by veterinarians, according to a local media report on Wednesday.

The Luca-Camani trained stallion stormed home over the final 200 metres but was pipped by a nose in Australasia's richest horse race by the Bart Cummings-trained Viewed on Nov. 4.

The investigation focused on the horse's treatment while quarantined in the week before the race and was not drug-related, Melbourne's Herald Sun newspaper said. Bauer could still be disqualified if the treatment had broken RVL rules.

"The inquiry is into whether or not any rules regarding pre-race treatment of a horse have been breached," Terry Bailey, RVL's chairman of stewards was quoted as saying by the newspaper.

"I want to stress all swabs from the Melbourne Cup, including Bauer's, have been cleared."

Bauer's managing owner Terry Henderson and Camani were aware of the investigation, the newspaper said.

MELBOURNE, Wednesday Reuters