Red Cadeaux this morning.
Firstly, I must apologise for the absence of the blog this week. I have just returned to the UK, and the joys of autumnal rainfall, after what has been a whirlwind few days.
Most importantly of all, things are looking bright for Red Cadeaux. Surgery was performed on Wednesday and he has taken this, and the early stages of the recovery process, as well as we could have hoped. He was looking relatively bright when I left him and Robin has been in touch with positive news since I boarded the flight.
Once again, on behalf of all of us involved with the horse, I must offer heartfelt thanks to the veterinary team, both on course and at the University of Melbourne Veterinary Hospital Equine Centre, for their magnificent efforts. Each and every individual involved was superb and they are the reason he is still with us.
With his life now stable, I wanted to pay tribute to Red Cadeaux the racehorse. He won’t be remembered for his win record, but every other aspect of his profile has been simply astonishing.
Three continents, eight countries, five Melbourne Cups, three pixels from history in 2011, the highest-earning British-trained racehorse ever and only an agonising whisker shy of becoming the first to break the £5million barrier. We think he’s covered roughly 175,000 miles by road, sea and air and he’s barely turned in a poor performance over the last four years, the majority of which have been spent away from Newmarket.
He’s tough, durable and a hardy trier, but he’s relaxed enough to travel and a kind horse to boot. He embodies many of the aspects a trainer longs for in his horses and while he doesn’t have a flashy pedigree or wasn’t an outstanding yearling, he’s proof that quality can come in many forms.
There are many who have reaped the rewards of the Red Cadeaux story and plenty that must be thanked for them too. His owner, Ronnie Arculli, was the driving force behind his first Melbourne Cup bid and has allowed him to be campaigned bravely and innovatively since. He has never shirked a challenge.
Robin and Steve have been his eternal sidekicks and the three musketeers barely spend a day apart. They adore the horse and the horse adores them both – Red Cadeaux’s endeavours would not have been so fruitful had his human team been any different.
And lastly, the racing public both at home and in Australia, who have latched onto the idiosyncratic magnificence of this horse and elevated his profile into unworldly proportions. He is mentioned down under in the same breath as Phar Lap and Makybe Diva, praise so extraordinary it will never grow old.
We have been inundated with messages of support following the Cup, in person, over the phone, via email and on social media, and while I apologise we cannot reply to everyone individually, I speak from the bottom of the heart when I say they have been an overwhelming comfort during a difficult few days.
Plenty of these messages have also offered Red Cadeaux a retirement home for when he is given the all clear. Again, we truly appreciate the kindness and generosity behind these messages. Where Red Cadeaux will spend his easier days has not yet been decided, and this will ultimately be the decision of his wonderful owner, but we will – of course – keep you posted.
The Red Cadeaux story wasn't supposed to end like this. On his stage, in his race, in front of his people. But he is safe, stable and on the road to recovery. For that, and almost a decade of joyful brilliance, we must be eternally thankful.
Ed.