Mixed emotions after Melbourne Cup

KRYSTAL GORDON and DANIEL BACKHAUS

The race that stops the nation has left Australians with mixed emotions today.

Debbie Youngs and Nicole Conway were at the MND and Me Fundraiser to celebrate Melbourne Cup day in South Bank, Brisbane.

Ms Conway said the fundraiser held at the jetty was to raise awareness and funds for Motor Neurone Disease.

While Ms Youngs said her tip for the day was Mutual Regard, number 11 in memory of her mother’s birthday, Ms Conway didn’t have a tip, for her it was all about the outfit.

This year’s Melbourne Cup was won by five-year-old German horse Protectionist, ahead of veteran horse Red Cadeaux followed by Who Shot Thebarman in third place.

Excited English traveller at the Plough Inn Tavern in South Bank, Ray O’Reilly said he picked the winner based on a tip from Twitter.

Admire Rakti was placed highly on many punters picks but unfortunately the favourite came in last and died in his stall after the race.

According to Sky News, there are reports the horse died from a heart attack or internal bleeding and Racing Victoria vets will carry out an autopsy to confirm the cause of death.

The Daily Telegraph also reported another Cup runner, Araldo, had injured his leg after the race.

The horse – spooked by a child waving a flag – put his leg through a fence in which he sustained a fractured cannon bone.

Vets at the Werribee Veterinary Hospital worked to insert screws into Araldo’s leg, although sadly the seven year old horse was put down.