Anthony Van Dyck Suffers Fatal Injury In Melbourne Cup

2019 Epsom Derby winner has suffered a fatal injury whilst running in the Melbourne Cup overnight and was euthanised after fracturing a fetlock in the Group One events at Flemington.

The Aidan O'Brien trained colt landed the Epsom Derby last year and although has not being at his best in some of his runs this term, he was fancied by many to go well in the Melbourne Cup.

The four year old started the season in the Group One Coronation Cup finishing behind superstar Ghaiyyath, but did manage to see off Stradivarius who went on to frank the form

Having finished fifth in a competitive Hardwicke Stakes, the Group One winner was sent to ParisLongchamp in the Group Two Prix Foy as a prep run for the Arc at the same venue and he managed to see of John Gosden's star stayer once more to take the spoils.

The O'Brien yard had issues with contaminated feed and had to withdraw all their runners out of the Sunday Arc meeting, meaning that Anthony Van Dyck could not contest the event.

This saw his season plans changed and he was sent down under to Australia for the Melbourne Cup and in preparation for the event had finished a narrow second in the Group One Caulfield Cup behind Verry Elleegant.

Anthony Van Dyck was saddled with top weight in the Melbourne Cup after that narrow second, but having looked to pose his challenge was pulled up by his jockey Hugh Bowman and it was later revealed he had suffered a life ending injury becoming the seventh horse since 2013 to do so in the Group One event.

(Credit ATR) Racing Victoria’s executive general manager – integrity services, Jamie Stier said: “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.

“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.”

The son of Galileo won six of his 19 starts, amassing over £2.3 million in prize money, with the four year old also counting the Tyros Stakes, the Futurity and Lingfield Derby Trial amongst his victories during his career

The Victoria Racing Club tweeted: “The Victoria Racing Club extends 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.”