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Melbourne Cup Day 2019 has been marred by what will prove another controversial incident after one member of the field, Rostropovich, was rushed to hospital following the race.
The five-year-old gelding was confirmed to have suffered a cracked pelvis during the running of the Melbourne Cup, being pulled up by jockey Dwayne Dunn with 400m to go.
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“He hasn’t pulled up too well. He’s obviously sustained an injury somewhere in the run,” said Dunn.
In a turn of good news, vets at Werribee have confirmed that the prognosis on Rostopovich’s injury is positive, and it is not expected to be life-threatening.
Rostropovich was the last finisher in the race, finishing 41 lengths behind the winner Vow And Declare.
“He couldn’t weight bear,” said the trainer, David Hayes. “But I think with a bit of painkillers, he’s relieved. It’s a sad story, anyway.”
Racing Victoria also confirmed the news in a statement.
“Racing Victoria (RV) stewards advise that the Hayes, Hayes and Dabernig-trained Rostropovich was inspected by RV veterinarians following the running of the Melbourne Cup at Flemington Racecourse today and was found to be lame.
“After receiving veterinary care on the course, the horse has been transported to the University of Melbourne Equine Centre for further assessment.”
The news comes after a controversial build-up to the cup with protests against the event growing louder by the year.
2018’s race was overshadowed by the death of The Cliffsofmoher, who was euthanised on the track after suffering a fractured shoulder during the race.
That was one of sixth deaths from the last seven runnings of the Melbourne Cup, with Verema, Admire Rakti, Araldo, Red Cadeaux and Regal Monarch other horses to have died after racing on the day since 2013.
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