If it had been up to Saeed bin Suroor, Cavalryman would have started in the Melbourne Cup.

But the long-time Godolphin trainer says he is happy to abide by the umpire's decision.

Racing Victoria vets took Cavalryman out of the Cup on Tuesday morning due to heat in a foreleg.

Concerns were raised on Monday that Cavalryman had an injured fetlock and X-rays were sent overseas to to the racing superpower's vets.

Bin Suroor said they advised Cavalryman's leg was normal for the horse.

"He's always the same. I left it to the vet. He made the decision and I respect that," bin Suroor said.

"Could be he saw something we didn't see. Our vet, he said he's always like that the past five years, and he said go ahead and run him.

"But the vet here had a different opinion. We followed his instruction."

Cavalryman's stablemate, Willing Foe, finished a creditable fifth behind Protectionist in the race Sheikh Mohammed has been trying to win for many years.

"He ran well. I'm happy with that. The winner was the better horse but I'm happy with the way he finished his race.

"If he stays good and happy and healthy we could bring him back next year.

"I love the racing here. I love to come to Australia and support Australian racing.

"We'll try again."