Horse Euthanized At Melbourne Cup

Australia's Melbourne Cup was marred by tragedy as one-time cup aspirant Bay Story crashed when leading in the Lavazza Long Black with rival Bling Bling crashing over the top.

Bay Story, who lead into the straight, had just been passed by the eventual winner, Red Lord, when he suddenly shifted ground, with his hind leg collapsing underneath him. Bay Story had to be put down and jockey Mark Zahra was taken to hospital with a suspected broken leg.

Bling Bling's rider Greg Childs returned to the enclosure nursing a sore head. Bling Bling cut his head on the railing but Childs said the injury was not serious.

Later in the day, Efficient-- ridden by Michael Rodd and trained by Graeme Rogerson-- won the 147th running of the Melbourne Cup. The 12-1 shot came from behind to edge out the UK-trained Purple Moon. Irish-trained Mahler came third after leading into the final straight.

By mid-day, Victorian punters had outlaid more than $25 million on the Melbourne Cup, with a lot more expected as the day rolled on. TAB Corp expected about $35 million to be bet on the race in Victoria and $150 million across the country.

He said that, while horse racing in some parts of the country had been hit by equine influenza this year, punters never missed an opportunity to place a bet on the Melbourne Cup. Lenny Schlomovitz is a clerk at Metrobet and he says millions of dollars are wagered every Melbourne Cup Day. Despite the money that changes hands Mr Schlomovitz is no fan of cup day.

"I loathe it. It's too crowded, too many drunks. It's a great day out if you want to see 22-year-olds all dressed up with top hats vomiting on themselves," he said.