Melbourne Cup 2014: Araldo’s broken leg to be operated on

THERE is hope tonight that Melbourne Cup horse Araldo can be saved after suffering a devastating leg injury after the big race.

Melbourne Cup runner, Araldo with equine Dr Emma Nicol at Mike Moroney's stables, Flemington racecourse. Animal lovers have been urged to wear green to show their support of the thoroughbred horse industry. Picture: Andy Brownbill

VETS will be able to insert screws on Melbourne Cup racehorse Araldo’s badly broken leg.

The Mike Moroney-trained stayer fractured a leg bone jumping a fence after shying at a spectator’s flag soon after this afternoon’s race.

The injury was so severe that his trainers left gear at the stalls and went straight to the Werribee Veterinary Hospital.

Latest reports suggest the fractured bone is the pastern bone and vets were hopeful of inserting screws which would hopefully allow the horse to fully recover.

As well as the fracture Araldo was badly cut during the incident.

There had been fears Araldo might have to be euthanased but the fact is possible has boosted survival hopes.

The injury is similar to the one French horse Verema sustained in the Melbourne Cup last year.

Verema’s injury was so bad it had to be put down within hours of the race so it wouldn’t suffer.

Araldo can be operated on so things are looking better.

— Richard Freedman (@R1CHARDFREEDMAN) November 4, 2014

Originally published as Melbourne Cup 2014: Araldo’s broken leg to be operated on