MELBOURNE Cup entrant Verema has been put down after fracturing a leg during the race.
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"It is with regret that we confirm that Verema had to euthanized after suffering a fracture to its right foreleg," said Racing Victoria head of veterinary and equine welfare Dr Brian Stewart.
"This was an unfortunate accident that happens infrequently in racing and our sympathies are extended at this time to the Aga Khan, Alain de Royer Dupre and the connections of Verema."
Racing Victoria said a post mortem would be carried out at the University of Melbourne Veterinary Clinic.
The Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses called for the death to be acknowledged during the Cup festivities.
"It is a sad day for racing when a horse is killed in the most competitive race of the country," said Ward Young.
"It shows that sometimes these horses are pushed beyond their physical limits, and it is a high price to pay.
"We would like to ask that the racing industry announce the news to all at Flemington, and hold a minute’s silence."