Red Cadeaux (GB) (Cadeaux Genereux {GB}–Artisia {Ire}, by Peintre Celebre), who gained legions of fans the world over with a remarkable three runner-up efforts in the G1 Melbourne Cup, has succumbed to complications from his injuries suffered in this year's running of the race that stops a nation. After first announcing that they would attempt to allow the injury to his near-side fetlock to heal on its own, a decision was made soon after to repair the damage surgically. Reports over the next two weeks were nearly all positive as the 9-year-old recovered, but, according to a release from Racing Victoria, 'irreversible complications' arose with the loss of blood flow in the affected leg.
“This is my saddest day in racing,” said trainer Ed Dunlop. “Red Cadeaux was a much-loved member of our family and my thoughts are with his owner Mr. [Ronald] Arculli and my staff, particularly Robin Trevor-Jones and Steve Nicholson, who spent every day caring for this horse. Unfortunately the complication was irreversible and the decision to euthanise the horse, whilst terribly hard, was made in his best interests. Red Cadeaux has given us and the racing public so much joy competing with great distinction across the world. He was an incredibly tough competitor with a wonderful nature and he will be dearly missed by all. I want to thank all the vets in Australia, particularly at the University of Melbourne Equine Clinic, that have worked tirelessly on the horse since the race and given him the very best of care. On behalf of Mr. Arculli and my staff, I also want to thank the Australian public and his racing fans from around the world for their wonderful support and well wishes during what has been an incredibly tough time for us all.”
Arculli added, “For a race that stops a nation we were lucky to have a horse that touched a nation. We will miss Red Cadeaux dearly.”
Racing Victoria Head of Equine Welfare and Veterinary Services, Dr. Brian Stewart, said, “The loss of any racehorse is a terribly sad time for the connections given the love and care they are afforded. The loss of a crowd favourite such as Red Cadeaux is felt by all within the industry. Our thoughts go out at this time to Red Cadeaux's owner Ronnie Arculli, trainer Ed Dunlop and his staff led by Robin Trevor-Jones and Stephen Nicholson, along with his jockey Gerald Mosse, who all loved this horse dearly and will be shattered by his passing.”
A True Rags-to-Riches Story…
Bred by Foursome Thoroughbreds, Red Cadeaux was bought back on a bid of 40,000gns as a Tattersalls December weanling in late 2006 and was purchased by Charlie Gordon-Watson Bloodstock on behalf of Arculli for 55,000gns at that auction house's October sale the following fall. A maiden winner over the Wolverhampton all-weather at fourth asking, Red Cadeaux acquitted himself well in handicap company in England before announcing himself as a potentially top-class stayer with a nine-length demolition of his rivals in the 2011 G3 Curragh Cup.
His first trip to Melbourne later that year was arguably his most memorable, as settled in the latter quarter of the field and was pulled out widest for the drive. He led narrowly into the final 200 meters, but French raider Dunaden (Fr) (Nicobar {GB}) went with him to his inside and scraped home by a nose (video).
Red Cadeaux winning the Hong Kong Vase | HKJC
Third to Dunaden in the G1 Hong Kong Vase in his next run, he was eighth to Green Moon (Ire) (Montjeu {Ire}) in the 2012 Cup, but bounced back two starts later to post an emotional win for his Hong Kong-based owner in the Vase (video). It would be the final victory of his career.
The legend of Red Cadeaux grew further in his first start at age seven, as he ran GI Kentucky Derby hero Animal Kingdom (Leroidesanimaux {Brz}) to two lengths in the G1 Dubai World Cup (video) and returned to Australia for the third straight season and charged home to fill second spot in the 2013 Melbourne Cup, 3/4 of a length behind Fiorente (Ire) (Monsun {Ger}) (video). Fourth in defense of his title in Hong Kong in late 2013, he saved his top two final performances for Australia, finishing four lengths adrift of Protectionist (Ger) (Monsun {Ger}) in the 2014 Cup and a good second to Criterion (NZ) (Sebring {Aus}) in this year's G1 Queen Elizabeth S. So revered was Red Cadeaux that the quarantine barn at the Werribee facility near Melbourne was named in his honor.
Though he had his picture taken just seven times over the course of 54 career appearances, he banked a remarkable $7,850,451 and logged 250,000 air miles, in the estimation of his trainer. He also competed in Japan and Singapore in his distinguished career.
At the request of his owner, Red Cadeaux will be laid to rest at Flemington Racecourse.
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