The Mount Gambier connections of a Melbourne Cup contender were left devastated after the last-minute scratching of their runner.

Future Score was set to burst from barrier 20 in Tuesday’s race that stops the nation, however an early morning vet check ruled the horse out from running.

Racing Victoria made the decision with one minute to spare to rule Future Score out of the Melbourne Cup with right foreleg lameness.

Owned by well-known Mount Gambier sports identity Shane Dycer and his family, the seven-year-old gelding was set to take on the field in the 2021 Lexus Melbourne Cup.

It was to be the Dycer family’s third tilt at the cup on the famous Flemington turf.

Mr Dycer said it was a “very disappointing day to say the least”.

“To have your cup runner scratched race morning and at the death is gut wrenching,” he said.

“This horse is a ripper and deserved his chance.

“After passing x rays, scans, trot ups et cetera for the last week and then have his action queried at the last minute is a head scratcher to say the least.”