Melbourne Cup horse will be ‘closely monitored’ after pulling up lame

UPDATE @7.30am, November 6 | There are calls for Melbourne Cup horse Rostropovich to be put out of its misery, after it pulled up lame in yesterday’s race.

The last placed gelding suffered a stress fracture in its pelvis during the race that stops a nation, with vets confirming the injury post race.

Rostropovich was transported to the University of Melbourne Equine Centre for further assessment late yesterday afternoon.

Racing Victoria has since provided an update of the horse’s condition, saying that it is in a ‘stable condition, comfortable and receiving the best veterinary care.’

“Rostropovich will be confined to box rest for the near future and will be closely monitored over the coming days by veterinary staff,” the Racing Victoria statement reads.

However, animal rights activists fear the horse is being kept alive in pain, only to be euthanized once the carnival hype dies down, which has happened in the past.

Veterinary Update: Rostropovich has been diagnosed with a stress fracture following the #MelbourneCup. The horse is in a stable condition, is comfortable and will be confined to box rest. Report: https://t.co/DMP5yfx3JL

— Racing Victoria (@RacingInsider) November 5, 2019

EARLIER @ 3.30pm, November 5 | There are reports one of the horses that raced in the 2019 Melbourne Cup has suffered a potentially fatal injury in the race that stops the nation.

Rostropovich has apparently suffered a cracked pelvis in the race, which saw him place last.

Racing Victoria has confirmed that the horse pulled up lame after the race, which was confirmed by veterinarians at Flemington.

Rostropovich has been transported to the University of Melbourne Equine Centre for further assessment.

An update on the horse’s condition is expected later on.

Racing Victoria Stewards advise that Rostropovich was inspected by RV veterinarians following the running of the Melbourne Cup and was found to be lame. pic.twitter.com/PTN7VTHdQH

— Racing Victoria (@RacingInsider) November 5, 2019