Melbourne Cup runner Rostropovich has undergone a vet examination after suffering a suspected broken pelvis during the great race.
Rostropovich was noticeably lame during the final 400m of the race, finishing well off the pace in last position.
Trainer David Hayes and Racing Victoria confirmed that Rostropovich was being transported to University of Melbourne's U-Vet Werribee Equine Centre after suffering a suspected broken pelvis.
"He couldn’t weight bear," trainer David Hayes told the media.
"But I think with a bit of painkillers, he's relieved. It's a sad story, anyway."
Racing Victoria Stewards advise that Rostropovich was inspected by RV veterinarians following the running of the Melbourne Cup and was found to be lame. pic.twitter.com/PTN7VTHdQH
— Racing Victoria (@RacingInsider) November 5, 2019
This incited activists groups, who had been protesting the event during the pre-race parade and outside the ground, believing that it's injury is proof that the race should no longer be held.
“We've been updated that Rostropovich has been badly injured and been rushed to Werribee possibly with a broken pelvis,” Animal Justice Party NSW tweeted.
“These are the kinds of horrific injuries horses sustain from being forced to run in the cruel Melbourne Cup.
“Hoping he can be saved.”
We've been updated that Rostropovich has been badly injured and been rushed to Werribee possibly with a broken pelvis.
— Animal Justice Party NSW (@AJPNSW) November 5, 2019
These are the kinds of horrific injuries horses sustain from being forced to run in the cruel #MelbourneCup.
Hoping he can be saved.
Hearing reports that Rostropovich has been badly injured in the Melbourne Cup. I really hope he is okay. When animals and gambling mix, animals always suffer #NupToTheCup #MelbourneCup2019
— Mehreen Faruqi (@MehreenFaruqi) November 5, 2019
Hayes stable Lindsay Park Racing provided a positive update on the 4-year-old, revealing that the injury was not life threatening and it should make a positive recovery
Rostropovich has pulled up with an injured pelvis. He is in terrific hands at the U-Vet Werribee Equine Centre.
— Lindsay Park Racing (@lindsayparkrace) November 5, 2019
The prognosis for a full recovery is good
