Melbourne Cup 2020: Aidan O’Brien pays tribute to Anthony Van Dyck
Champion Irish trainer Aidan O’Brien has paid tribute to Anthony Van Dyck after the stallion’s tragic accident in the Melbourne Cup.
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Irish trainer Aidan O’Brien hailed a “tough and genuine” Anthony Van Dyck after the stallion’s tragic death in Tuesday’s Melbourne Cup.
Anthony Van Dyck ran a terrific second to Verry Elleegant in the Caulfield Cup but suffered a severe leg fracture entering the straight in the Melbourne Cup.
Vets rushed to treat Anthony Van Dyck on the track but the 2019 Epsom Derby winner was unable to be saved.
“He was a very kind, sound, lovely-natured horse – incredibly tough and genuine,” O’Brien told the Racing Post. “It was very sad to see that happen, it was just very unfortunate.
“He was a good Derby winner who we’ll have fond memories of.“
Anthony Van Dyck was the second of O’Brien’s 2020 Melbourne spring team to lose his life.
The 2000 Guineas runner-up Wichita was also euthanised following complications from surgery on a leg fracture he sustained at Werribee.
The trip wasn’t a complete bust for O’Brien. Armory finished second for the stable in the Cox Plate while Tiger Moth ran a brave second in the Melbourne Cup at only his fifth start.
Tiger Moth is the opening favourite for the 2021 Melbourne Cup.
“We were delighted with Tiger Moth,“ he said.
“He ran a great race and looks like a horse who you‘d really look forward to next season.
“Hopefully he‘ll be on his way back tomorrow.”
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Originally published as Melbourne Cup 2020: Aidan O’Brien pays tribute to Anthony Van Dyck