“The veterinarians reported that the swelling in the horse’s right foreleg had resolved, however some heat was still detected in the area. This is consistent with a case of mild cellulitis – an infection under a horse’s skin,” Racing Victoria said in a statement.

“In consultation with representatives for trainer Andrew Balding, the decision was made to send Spanish Mission to the U-Vet Equine Centre in Werribee this afternoon for further examination.

“Following examination by specialists at the U-Vet Equine Centre, Spanish Mission has returned to the TAB International Horse Centre.

“RV veterinarians will re-examine the horse tomorrow to determine its suitability to accept for the Melbourne Cup ahead of the 4.30pm acceptance deadline.”

The Chosen One and Delphi were re-examined on Friday and passed fit after showing mild lameness in an earlier inspection.

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Future Score, She’s Ideel, Fun Fact and Derby contender Forgot You were examined for the first time on Friday and also passed fit.

Earlier on Friday, Noonan was confident the horse would overcome his issue to be passed fit to run.

“[Our vet] is completely happy with him,” Noonan said of Spanish Mission on Friday morning, before the second vet test.

“We scanned it yesterday and there was no sign of any damage, no ligament, tendon, bone damage. We don’t think it’s a sprain.

“By deduction, you can get to the point where there’s only a little bit of swelling there, so it must be from a knock. He wears boots in his work so we doubt it was in his work.

“His box was a little bit turned upside down, so he’s obviously had a roll and he’s probably hit it getting up, which they can do, and then left for three or four hours.”

Noonan said the swelling had reduced since Thursday.

“It would be like you making a tap on your ankle and if you left it for a couple of hours, there’d be some swelling there and a little bit of pain,” he said.

“But this morning he’s as good as gold. We’ve been able to treat him, ice and water and those sorts of things.”

Because of high winds across Victoria on Friday morning, Spanish Mission did not complete a scheduled piece of fast work at Werribee in the morning.

But Noonan said the horse’s preparation would not be affected in the lead up to the Cup.

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