Cadeaux Comes Through Surgery

Popular globetrotting gelding Red Cadeaux (GB) (Cadeaux Genereux {GB}), who was pulled up after suffering an injury in the late stages of Tuesday’s G1 Melbourne Cup, underwent surgery at Werribee Wednesday and emerged from the operation in good order, trainer Ed Dunlop told rv.racing.com. The 9-year-old fractured the medial sesamoid in his left-fore fetlock nearing the wire of the two-mile race, and had surgery at the University of Melbourne Equine Centre. Dunlop explained the surgery followed much consultation with experts.

“Following the scans undertaken yesterday we consulted with world leading veterinary surgeons on sesamoid bone injuries to determine the best course of action to address Red Cadeaux’s injury,” he told rv.racing.com. “Having received their advice, myself, Robin [Trevor-Jones], Steve [Nicholson] and the vets who have taken care of Red Cadeaux during his trips to Australia met today and consulted with his owner Ronnie Arculli on the steps we would take. It was decided that surgery was the best option for the horse and that Dr. Ben Ahern from the University of Adelaide School of Animal and Veterinary Science, an expert in these injuries, would fly in to conduct the surgery alongside Dr. Chris Whitton and Dr. Liz Walmsley from the University of Melbourne Veterinary Hospital Equine Centre. The vets have advised me that the surgery went well and that Red Cadeaux is comfortable standing back in his box and has eaten, which is fantastic news for all.”

“I would personally like to thank everyone who has offered their support and we will keep everyone informed of how he progresses,” Dunlop added.

Dunlop announced Red Cadeaux’s retirement immediately following the injury. The chestnut ends his racing career with earnings of $7,850,451, making him the highest-earning Thoroughbred in British racing history. He won seven of 54 starts, with a career high being a win in the 2012 G1 Hong Kong Vase. Red Cadeaux finished second in the Melbourne Cup three times, and was also runner-up in the 2013 G1 Dubai World Cup; Australia’s G1 Queen Elizabeth S. earlier this year; and Epsom’s G1 Coronation Cup in 2012. He finished third in Japan’s G1 Tenno Sho Spring and the G1 Irish St Leger.