A brilliant afternoon of horse racing at Flemington ended in tragedy last night after one of the horses competing in an early race was euthanised due to injuries it sustained in a fall while competing.
Regal Monarch and jockey Joao Moreira were both injured after a fall in race four yesterday in the build up to yesterday's Melbourne Cup race.
The five-year-old bay gelding was put down hours later on vets' advice.
"Regal Monarch was immediately attended to by our veterinary team after a fall in race four and was transported to the University of Melbourne Veterinary Clinic in Werribee for further assessment," Racing Victoria's head vet Dr Grace Forbes said.
"It is with sadness that we can confirm that the horse has been humanely euthanised on veterinary advice as a result of the injuries sustained. This decision was made in the best interests of the horse.
"Incidents such as this happen infrequently, with Victoria having one of the best safety records in world racing.
"Our sympathies are extended at this time to the owners of Regal Monarch, trainer Chris Waller, and his staff who cared deeply for their horse and are naturally devastated by their loss."
Regal Monarch had won four races from his 17 starts.
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