THE horse which came last at the 2019 Melbourne Cup suffered a fractured pelvis during the race.
Rostropovich was taken to a local equine clinic for treatment following the race at Flemington Racecourse.
The five-year-old was inspected by Racing Victoria vets and found to be lame before being transported to the University of Melbourne Equine Centre for further assessment.
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READ NOWRacing Victoria has now confirmed that Rostropovich sustained a stress fracture in its pelvis during the 3200m race.
“The David and Ben Hayes and Tom Dabernig-trained gelding is in a stable condition, comfortable and receiving the best veterinary care,” Racing Victoria said in a statement.
“Rostropovich will be confined to box rest for the near future and will be closely monitored over the coming days by veterinary staff.”
Vow and Declare won the race, which was not without controversy.
In a close finish, the Danny O’Brien-trained gelding won by a half head from Master of Reality in second place and Prince of Arran third.
But Master of Reality was demoted to fourth place after a protest, with Prince of Arran moving into second and Il Paradiso third.
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Connections of Il Paradiso said the horse had been obstructed in the final 100m by Master of Reality, blocking its run.
The protest was upheld, with the final placings not certain until more than 40 minutes after the completion of the race.
The victory gave jockey Craig Williams his first Melbourne Cup win.
“(The horse is) a credit to Danny O’Brien … we love this horse,” Williams said.
“It was a privilege to ride him today. We had a difficult barrier draw.
“(It’s) great to be associated with a great horse like this horse.”
Final placings:
1. Vow And Declare
2. Prince Of Arran
3. Il Paradiso
4. Master Of Reality