The hard track will be blamed, but the animal activists will be furious.
The great Gr 1 English Derby winner, Anthony Van Dyck (Galileo-Believe’N’Succeed) was in trouble 800m from home when rider Hugh Bowman was urging him along to just keep up.
He clearly was not comfortable on the super fast track.
And with 250m to travel, his front legs just gave out.
He broke down hopelessly and had to be pulled up in the middle of the home straight.
A growing petition circulated Australia drafted by animal activists stating animals aren’t supposed to be here for our entertainment, claiming it was cruel.
Their voices will be heard, sadly for the sport now.
Hugh Bowman rode Anthony Van Dyck.
Last year he rode Twilight payment in the Melbourne Cup and he was a gallant run but finishing just 4 lengths off the winner, Vow And Declare.
This year, he changed mounts and Twilight Payment won leading all the way.
Prayers are with the connections of the broken down top weight, Anthony Van Dyck.
Racing Victoria’s (RV) Executive General Manager – Integrity Services, Jamie Stier, issued the following statement after the running of the Melbourne Cup at Flemington today.
“It is with sadness that we confirm that Anthony Van Dyck had to be humanely euthanised after sustaining a fractured fetlock during the running of the Melbourne Cup at Flemington,” Mr Stier said.
“The horse received immediate veterinary care, however he was unable to be saved due to the nature of the injury sustained.
“Our sympathies are extended to the owners of Anthony Van Dyck, trainer Aidan O’Brien and all his staff who cared for the horse and are greatly saddened by their loss.”
Mr Stier explained that a fatality report will now be prepared by the RV Integrity Services team as is standard practice.
“The fatality report gives consideration to the circumstances of the incident and any potential learnings to assist in the prevention of similar injuries in the future,” Mr Stier said.
“The report will include the findings of a post-mortem which will now be conducted by the University of Melbourne Veterinary Clinic and we expect it will be several weeks before we have a completed report for consideration.”
Hugh Bowman rider of Anthony Van Dyck was uninjured in the incident.
