Tragic news following Melbourne Cup fall

Tragic news has cast a shadow on Melbourne Cup day, with confirmation that Regal Monarch was 'humanely euthanised' following a fall in Race 4 at Flemington.

The five-year-old gelding hit the turf hard during the home turn, but remarkably managed to walk on to the float before he was taken to Werribee Veterinary Hospital.

Racing Victoria's chief vet Dr Grace Forbes revealed on Tuesday night that despite the best efforts of leading equine vets, the Chris Waller-trained horse was unable to be successfully treated.

"Regal Monarch was immediately attended to by our veterinary team after a fall in Race 4 and was transported to the University of Melbourne Veterinary Clinic in Werribee for further assessment," Dr Forbes said.

"It is with sadness that we can confirm that the horse has been humanely euthanised on veterinary advice as a result of the injuries sustained. This decision was made in the best interests of the horse.

"Incidents such as this happen infrequently, with Victoria having one of the best safety records in world racing.

"Our sympathies are extended at this time to the owners of Regal Monarch, trainer Chris Waller, and his staff who cared deeply for their horse and are naturally devastated by their loss."

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Regal Monarch was the son of Notnowcato.

Meanwhile, the jockey on Regal Monarch Joao Moreira, is returning to Hong Kong stiff and sore following the fall at Flemington.

The champion Hong Kong-based jockey suffered severe bruising to his left calf and right thigh in the fall.

Des O'Keeffee, chairman of the Australian Jockeys Association, said Moreira didn't need to go to hospital for treatment.

He said doctors were happy for Moreira to fly back to Hong Kong with fellow rider Zac Purton.

Moreira was to ride Thomas Hobson in Tuesday's Melbourne Cup and was replaced by apprentice Ben Allen.

Thomas Hobson finished in sixth position while Purton finished third aboard his Willie Mullins-trained stablemate Max Dynamite.

With AAP