International stayer Verema euthanised after breaking down in Melbourne Cup

THE Aga Khan's first foray into the Melbourne Cup has ended in agony after his prized mare Verema broke down during the race and was put down.

THE Aga Khan's first foray into the Melbourne Cup has ended in agony after his prized mare Verema broke down during the race and was put down.

The five-year-old mare snapped a right foreleg around the back of the course and officials had no other option than to euthanise her.

Dr Brian Stewart, Racing Victoria's head of veterinary equine and welfare, confirmed Verema had been put down.

"It is with regret that we confirm that Verema had to euthanised after suffering a fracture to its right foreleg during the running of the Emirates Melbourne Cup.

"This was an unfortunate accident that happens infrequently in racing and our sympathies are extended at this time to the Aga Khan, Alain de Royer Dupre and the connections of Verema."

The Aga Khan is one of the world's most successful racehorse owners and breeders, and his personal wealth is estimated to be as high as $3 billion.

A full examination will now be made on Verema. Picture: Jake Nowakowski.

Forbes describes the Aga Khan, whose family are direct descendants of the Prophet Muhammad, as one of the world's 10 richest royals, despite not presiding over a geographic territory.

The Aga Khan's daughter Princess Zahra has been in Australia representing her family and drew the No. 3 gate for the horse in Saturday night's barrier draw.

Verema was trained by Alain de Royer-Dupre, who prepared Americain to win the 2010 Melbourne Cup.

Verema had won the Group 2 Prix de Kergolay at her most recent start, the same race Americain won on his way to the Cup, and connections were extremely confident about a good showing in Australia.

She was a $17 entering the Melbourne Cup and had only started racing 18 months ago.

A post mortem will be performed at the University of Melbourne Veterinary Clinic as is standard practice.