A slight setback has resulted in Spanish Mission no longer flying to Melbourne on the first shipment of international competitors for the Melbourne Spring Carnival.

The first shipment is due into Melbourne on Saturday and missing the flight means Spanish Mission will no longer run in the Caulfield Cup on October 16.

Trainer Andrew Balding has advised Racing Victoria Spanish Mission will instead travel out to Melbourne on the second shipment, due to arrive on October 9, to contest the Melbourne Cup on November 2.

Balding said Spanish Mission had incurred muscle spasms in his flanks following exercise whilst in pre-export quarantine in Newmarket and had missed some ridden exercise as a result.

“The stable elected to take a cautious approach with the horse upon his return to ridden exercise and have deferred their travel to the second shipment,” RV said in a statement

“Spanish Mission remains in pre-export quarantine where he will ultimately complete four weeks quarantine before travelling to Australia.”

Upon arrival in Melbourne, Spanish Mission will then complete two weeks quarantine at Werribee.

The news that Spanish Mission, who had been high up in Caulfield Cup betting and is second favourite in Melbourne Cup markets, means Craig Williams will now need to search for a new Caulfield Cup ride.

It was announced earlier in the week that Williams would ride Spanish Mission in both races.