Racing Victoria chairman Terry Bailey has said the betting at the Call of the Card prompted him to have chief veterinarian Dr Brian Stewart check Admire Rakti on Cup morning.

Bailey revealed today he rang Dr Stewart at 10pm on Monday to ask him specifically to check Admire Rakti the following morning.

He acknowledged the call could have been prompted by a “little bit of steward paranoia”, but more so because the willingness of bookmakers at the Call of the Card to take on the favourite.

After being a $5 or at most a $5.50 chance leading into the Call of the Card, bookmakers offered $6.50 aboutAdmire Rakti.

“Some good judges said he couldn't win so I felt it was our role and be duty bound to ensure the public of Australia were protected,” Bailey said.

“After all, he was favourite in the race. Just to doubly, triple check to make sure he was okay I asked Brian to have a look at him.”

Bailey said he spoke to Zac Purton about how Admire Rakti, who collapsed and died in his tie-up stall after the race, felt during the race.

“He said at about the 400 metres he felt the horse was not right,” Bailey said.

Dr Stewart said he inspected Admire Rakti at 7am and found him to be “extremely well”.

Preliminary autopsy results are indicative of Admire Rakti suffering heart failure.