Luca Cumani's Bauer will not be stripped of his runner-up spot in the Melbourne Cup after Racing Victoria stewards decided that the illegal treatment he received in the lead-up to last month's race had been advised by a Racing Victoria vet.

Cumani admitted that the horse had received electro-shockwave treatment in the week leading up the race, which is banned under strict local racing laws.

But Terry Bailey, chairman of stewards, said: "We've taken legal advice and believe this is the right decision.

"Clearly we have a situation where the vet was assigned to look after the quarantine by Racing Victoria.

"Mr Cumani was entitled to assume that he was aware of the rules."

Bauer was beaten a nose by Viewed in Australia's big race, earning £367,841 in prize money, after also taking the Geelong Cup.