Melbourne Cup 2019: Rostropovich suffers injury but prognosis for a full recovery is positive

Melbourne Cup runner Rostropovich is expected to make a full recovery after suffering a fractured pelvis in the race and he could yet return to the track.

Injured Melbourne Cup runner Rostropovich could be released from Werribee Equine Clinic within 10 days.

The Irish import is believed to have a cracked pelvis but is expected to make a full recovery. “He’s stable and he’s OK,” trainer David Hayes said.

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“It looks like a cracked pelvis. He’s restricted to a box and he’ll stay there for between a week and 10 days under their care so it doesn’t displace.

“He’ll then come back to Lindsay Park and have a month indoors.”

RV stewards said the gelding “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.”

Kings Will Dream suffered a similar injury in last season’s Cox Plate before returning this spring to win at Group 1 level.

Trainer David Hayes says it is a distressing situation, but the outcome may not be as bad as first thought.

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The injury to Rostropovich came a year after Irish stayer The Cliffsofmoher had to be euthanised on track after breaking its shoulder during the Melbourne Cup.

A strict focus on the welfare of all Cup runners this year led to the scratching last week of international runners Marmelo and Ipsolini after scans found the potential for both to suffer “catastrophic” injuries during the race.

Meanwhile, dethroned as Melbourne Cup champion despite a brave late surge, Cross Counter will require veterinary clearance before being allowed to resume his globetrotting career.

The Godolphin stayer sustained wounds to his off-side rear cannon and hock before charging home to finish eighth behind Vow And Declare.

Rostropovich trails the field as the Lindsay Park stayer is eased of the race in the home straight.

Cross Counter has been entered in the Hong Kong Vase (2400m) at Sha Tin on December 8, where he could clash with fellow raiders Raymond Tusk, Prince Of Arran, Downdraft, Latrobe, Master Of Reality, Twilight Payment and True Self.

Raymond Tusk, who finished 13th in the Cup, will also need to be cleared by vets before racing again for a wound to his nearside fetlock.

Lloyd Williams-owned Master Of Reality (fourth), Twilight Payment (11th) and Latrobe (17th) will all head back to Ireland regardless of whether they run in Hong Kong.