Anthony Van Dyck euthanised after breaking down during 2020 Melbourne Cup
Leading Melbourne Cup chance Anthony Van Dyck has been euthanised after suffering a severe leg injury during the race.
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Anthony Van Dyck has been euthanised after suffering a severe leg injury during the Melbourne Cup.
In the latest tragedy to hit the event, last year’s Epsom Derby winner faltered round the home turn, prompting jockey Hugh Bowman to pull up the horse at the 300m before dismounting.
It appeared Anthony Van Dyck suffered a severe injury to his near foreleg.
Track staff erected screens around Anthony Van Dyck as vets treated the horse before he was placed into the horse ambulance.
Racing Victoria subsequently issued a statement confirming the horse had been euthanised.
“It is with sadness that we confirm that Anthony Van Dyck had to be humanely euthanised after sustaining a fractured fetlock during the running of the Melbourne Cup at Flemington,” Racing Victoria’s integrity boss Jamie Stier said in a statement.
“The horse received immediate veterinary care, however he was unable to be saved due to the nature of the injury sustained.
“Our sympathies are extended to the owners of Anthony Van Dyck, trainer Aidan O’Brien and all his staff who cared for the horse and are greatly saddened by their loss.”
Stier said the RV Integrity Services team would prepare a report into Anthony Van Dyck’s death in line with standard practice.
The University of Melbourne Veterinary Clinic will perform a post-mortem examination.
The Victoria Racing Club issued a statement extending its “condolences to the owners, trainer Aidan O’Brien and his team who cared for Anthony Van Dyck and are saddened by their loss”.
“We would like to thank the track and veterinary staff for their prompt and humane care of the horse.
The Club remains totally committed to the welfare of all equine athletes and the ongoing focus on their wellbeing and will continue to work with the industry to understand the cause of this incident.”
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Melbourne Cup 2020: Twilight Payment makes it seven Cups for owner Lloyd Williams
O’Brien also trained the runner-up Tiger Moth, who ran second to Twilight Payment at only his fifth start in a race.
The stable also suffered a tragedy in the 2018 Melbourne Cup when The Cliffsofmoher was euthanised after suffering a broken shoulder approaching the winning post the first time.
Anthony Van Dyck’s death is the fifth in the past 40 Melbourne Cups with all of those coming in the years since Hong Kong galloper Three Crowns was euthanised after the 1998 race.
The four-year-old’s death was the second in 177 races held at Flemington in 2020.
O’Brien’s 2020 Melbourne spring team also lost a member when classy miler Wichita was euthanised after complications following surgery on a leg fracture he suffered in a gallop at Werribee last month.
RIP Anthony Van Dyck 🥺#ThrowBack to my first Epsom Derby last year pic.twitter.com/YAoKKkhqqu
— Shamela Hanley (@simmy_hanley) November 3, 2020
RECENT MELBOURNE CUP DEATHS
2013: Verema
2014: Admire Rakti, Araldo
2015: Red Cadeaux
2018: The Cliffsofmoher