Veteran Who Shot Thebarman has been withdrawn from the Melbourne Cup with an elevated temperature.

Trainer Chris Waller said the nine-year-old had presented with the high temperature on Sunday afternoon.

“It is obviously of great disappointment to the owners, my staff and I, however the welfare of the horse comes first and for that reason he must be scratched from Tuesdays’ race,” Waller said.

Who Shot Thebarman has run in three Melbourne Cups with his best finish third in 2014.

There are no emergencies for the Cup with the field now reduced to 23.

Credit: AAP