Though Melbourne Cup celebrations continue around the country, the aftermath of the race has taken a somber turn, with one horse dead and another in serious condition after an injury.
The Age report that Japanese racehorse Admire Rakti, who placed last in the Cup, collapsed in the stalls after the completion of the race, and died a short time later.
Admire Rakti won this year’s Caulfield Cup in Melbourne, and had he won today’s race, he would have been the first horse to take out both prizes in the same year since Ethereal in 2001.
Racing Victoria Chief Steward Terry Bailey said earlier this afternoon that an autopsy will be carried out at Werribee, to determine whether the horse died of natural causes.
Another horse, Araldo, was injured after the race, reportedly shying and shattering a bone in his leg after being surprised by a child waving a flag. Vets are reportedly working on saving him right now.
As we reported earlier, German horse Protectionist won this afternoon’s race.
UPDATE:
The RSPCA have released a statement addressing the aftermath of today’s event, calling for a “full and transparent” investigation into both incidents.
Statement from RSPCA following the death of Admire Rakti post-Melbourne Cup, and the injury to Araldo #newsfeed #live pic.twitter.com/nt5SjmxLGH
— B105 Brisbane (@B105Brisbane) November 4, 2014
Photo: Patrick Scala via Getty Images
