The last horse to die in the Melbourne Cup was The Cliffsofmoher in 2018,another Coolmore-owned,Aidan O'Brien-trained stallion. His death triggered a Racing Victoria review into the rate of serious injuries among international horses travelling to Melbourne to compete in the spring carnival,and led to the purchase of a CT scanner at the University of Melbourne's Werribee equine clinic.
A fatality report will now be prepared by the RV Integrity Services and the VRC says it will work with Racing Victoria to investigate the cause of Anthony Van Dyck's fatal injury.
"We would like to thank the track and veterinary staff for their prompt and humane care of the horse,"the VRC said.
"The club remains totally committed to the welfare of all equine athletes and the ongoing focus on their wellbeing and will continue to work with the industry to understand the cause of this incident."
Anthony Van Dyck was ridden by star jockey Hugh Bowman,who on the eve of the race dismissed concerns about the massive weight the horse was carrying in the Cup.
But the public perception of the sport has been further tainted by yet another death in the race that stops the nation.