Optimistic outlook for gelding
MELBOURNE Cup runner Rostropovich is expected to make a full recovery and could even return to racing after suffering a fractured pelvis in yesterday’s race.
The five-year-old gelding was examined by vets at the Werribee Equine Centre.
The injury was similar to that suffered by Group 1 winner Kings Will Dream, who raced in this year’s Cox Plate one year breaking down in the same race.
Jockey Dwayne Dunn pulled up Rostropovich during the race, in which he finished 40 lengths last, after feeling the horse go amiss.
“It was a typical pelvis injury, he came back to the mounting yard OK, but when we got him back to his box he couldn’t put weight on his leg,” co-trainer Ben Hayes said.
“He was sore, so we put him on the float and sent him to the vet and they confirmed the pelvis injury.”
Despite the injury, rest could allow the son of Frankel to get back to the track.
“Time will tell. Rest is all you can do with an injury like this,” Hayes said. “It’s a very common injury, and we just have to hope for the best. But he’ll get the best care.”
The injury to Rostropovich came a year after Irish stayer The Cliffsofmoher had to be euthanised on track after breaking its shoulder during the Melbourne Cup.
A strict focus on the welfare of all Cup runners this year led to the scratching last week of international runners Marmelo and Ipsolini after scans found the potential for both to suffer “catastrophic” injuries during the race.
Racing Victoria vets inspected Rostropovich and officials confirmed the gelding was in a stable condition, comfortable and receiving the best veterinary care at the clinic.