Melbourne Cup horse dead: WATCH horror incident to The Cliffsofmoher during £4m race
THIS is the moment The Cliffsofmoher suffered a fractured shoulder before being put down at the Melbourne Cup today.
The Cliffsofmoher suffers injury during race at Melbourne Cup
The Melbourne Cup witnessed a fourth death since 2013 as The Cliffsofmoher was euthanised on the track.
The Irish four-year-old was a 20/1 outsider for the Melbourne Cup and rounded the bend into the home straight midway through the pack.
But it quickly becomes clear something is wrong as the Aidan O'Brien-trained horse slows right down to a canter.
The Cliffsofmoher was put down on the track as British horse Cross Counter won the Melbourne Cup for trainer Charlie Appleby
In fact, with Marmelo and A Prince Of Arran coming in second and third, it was a British-dominated field in Melbourne.
But the death of The Cliffsofmoher overshadowed the occasion.
“It is with sadness that we confirm that The Cliffsofmoher had to be humanely euthanised after sustaining a fractured right shoulder during the running of the Melbourne Cup at Flemington,” Jamie Stier, Racing Victoria's manager of integrity services, said.
“The horse received immediate veterinary care, however it was unable to be saved due to the nature of the injury sustained.
“This was an unfortunate incident that happens infrequently, with Victoria having one of the best safety records in world racing.
“Our sympathies are extended to Coolmore and the Williams family, the owners of The Cliffsofmoher, jockey Ryan Moore, trainer Aidan O’Brien and his staff who cared for the horse and are greatly saddened by their loss.”
O'Brien himself said: “Unfortunately these things can happen to a horse galloping around the field at home.
“It’s very sad. It could have been worse, Ryan could have taken a fall off him.
“Someone could have been seriously injured.”
In a statement, RSPCA Australia spokesperson Jane Speechley said: “Our thoughts are with animal lovers across the country who have been affected by this loss, and confronted by the very real risks posed by racing to the horses involved.
“RSPCA Australia has long voiced its concerns about the welfare of racehorses, including the use of inhumane devices such as whips and tongue ties, as well as the risk to injury and death during races.
“Today’s tragedy is a stark reminder of the risks these horses face every time they run, and highlights that behind the gloss and glamour of Cup celebrations there is a dark reality.”