Racing fans were left scratching their heads at the end of the Melbourne Cup with top contender Buckaroo nowhere to be seen in the final stages of the race.

Buckaroo was one of the favourites for the $10 million race, with starting odds of $10, but finished way back in last place.

The seven-year-old gelding is trained by Chris Waller and had top veteran hoop Craig Williams on his back for the 3200m event.

But there was speculation that Waller had been reluctant to start the horse for Tuesday’s Cup, with the trainer saying he was exhausted after the Cox Plate.

When fans didn’t see Buckaroo at the finish line, they expressed immediate concern on social media.

“Hopefully Buckaroo is OK. I know Waller will be p*****, he didn’t want to run him,” one fan said.

“99 lengths last, Willow (

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