Melbourne Cup contender Cliffsofmoher has been euthanised on track after suffering a fractured shoulder.
While Cross Counter won the Cup, the Aidan O’Brien-trained horse broke down in the first 600m and failed to run any futher.
The UK thoroughbred appeared agitated moments before the race began, pulling up lame just as the field passed the finishing post in the opening lap.
“Cliffsofmoher, he’s melting like an ice-cream at the moment,” Seven commentator Richard Freedman said.
“He’s really sweating up badly.”
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Vets rushed to the scene moments after the incident and put up green tarpulin while they treated the horse, but unfortuantely the 5-year-old could not be saved.
The Cliffsofmoher becomes the 6th horse to die as a result of the Melbourne Cup since 2013.
More to come.
We’re hearing The Cliffsofmoher suffered a fractured right shoulder and was euthanised in track. More to come once we have further info.#melbournecup2018
— RSPCA Australia (@RSPCA) November 6, 2018
Tragedy has marred the #MelbourneCup with international runner CliffsofMoher put down after he fractured his shoulder https://t.co/UZLD0vO6vf pic.twitter.com/QqwpOPaaOP
— Telegraph Sport (@telegraph_sport) November 6, 2018
Horrible news. The Cliffsofmoher suffered a fractured right shoulder when injured in the Melbourne Cup, unfortunately could not be saved. Thoughts with connections. @Racing
— Shane Anderson (@Globalgallop) November 6, 2018