Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott’s star stayer Sir Delius has been ruled out of both the Cox Plate and Melbourne Cup after veterinary scans revealed an elevated risk of injury.

Racing Victoria stewards, acting on expert veterinary advice, ordered the five-year-old’s withdrawal on Friday following a series of CT and PET scans at the University of Melbourne Equine Centre in Werribee.

A panel of international imaging specialists determined Sir Delius was at a heightened risk despite further testing, prompting RV Veterinary Services to stand him down for the remainder of the Melbourne Spring Carnival.

The Turnbull Stakes winner had been among the favourites for both the Cox Plate (2040m) and Melbourne Cup (3200m).

Sir Delius was purchased by connections with the goal of claiming both races, but his campaign ends prematurely.

Betting markets for both events are expected to shift following his withdrawal — see the latest odds at Australia’s top betting sites.