Australian singer Jessica Mauboy has been criticised for her absence from a scheduled performance of the national anthem before Tuesday’s Melbourne Cup race.

Mauboy was booked to perform at Flemington before the big race, but was replaced at the last minute by singer Nadia Aya.

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She took to Twitter to apologise for her absence later on Wednesday.

“I am so sorry I didn’t perform at the Melbourne Cup yesterday, I was really looking forward to it and of all the days for things to go wrong, unfortunately this was the one. I am so sorry to everyone for the disappointment xxxx JM”

Thank you to everyone for all the messages of concern, I am OK. I am so sorry I didn’t perform at the (cont) https://t.co/JMAoMse9NF

— Jessica Mauboy (@jessicamauboy) November 4, 2015

In a statement, Victorian Racing Club chief executive Simon Love expressed disappointment over Mauboy’s disappearing act.

“We were very disappointed that Jessica Mauboy was on course, and didn’t perform today,” he said.

“We were grateful that Nadia Aya could perform the national anthem ahead of the Emirates Melbourne Cup.”

Mauboy’s performance was even announced by Flemington staff, but she failed to show, leaving Aya – reportedly given less than a minute of notice – to step up.

According to The Australian, a representative for the former Australian Idol star blamed issues of “clothing and preparation” and said Mauboy was “incredibly sorry”.

However, the VRC has denied suggestions Mauboy’s disappearance had anything to do with a wardrobe dispute with official sponsor Myer. Mauboy is a womenswear ambassador for Target.

“The VRC can confirm that it supplied Jessica Mauboy with a mutually approved wardrobe and she undertook a full rehearsal of the planned performance on the eve of Emirates Melbourne Cup,” Mr Love said in a statement.

“The Club has no details as to why Jessica Mauboy didn’t perform and continues to seek clarification from her management.”