In tragic news from the world of racing, fan-favourite Red Cadeaux has been euthanased following injuries he sustained at the Melbourne Cup earlier this month.
The Ed Dunlop-trained horse, who finished second in three Melbourne Cups, suffered a break in his left foreleg in the final stages of this year’s race.
In the early stages of his recovery, Red Cadeaux appeared to be on the mend, but experts at the University of Melbourne Equine Centre eventually determined that the loss of blood flow to his leg could not be corrected.
The 10-year-old will be laid to rest at Flemington. Victoria Racing Club chief executive Simon Love released a statement earlier today, saying:
The VRC is extremely saddened by the passing of Red Cadeaux following irreversible complications from surgery on his injured leg.
First and foremost, our thoughts are with all those who loved Red, especially his trainer Ed Dunlop, constant travelling companions, Robin Trevor-Jones and Steve Nicholson, and owner Ronnie Arculli.
The loss of a horse is always particularly sad. Very few horses have endeared themselves to the Australian public like Red Cadeaux, ensuring the impact is only further and more acutely felt.
Red was one of the world’s most travelled horses, and Australia was fortunate to feature on his itinerary on six occasions. He was the first international horse to contest five Emirates Melbourne Cups, a race he seemed to reserve his best performances for with three second placings. He just loved Australia and Australia certainly loved him.
The VRC is honoured to oblige the request to provide a final resting place for Red Cadeaux at Flemington. Further details will be announced once confirmed.
Last year’s Melbourne Cup saw the deaths of two horses – Admire Rakti, who died of acute heart failure after the race, and Araldo, who was put down after breaking a leg when a flag-waving patron startled him.
Photo: Scott Barbour via Getty Images
