Veteran stayer Red Cadeaux underwent successful surgery on Wednesday for the sesamoid injuries he suffered in the Melbourne Cup at Flemington on Tuesday.

Trainer Ed Dunlop reported that the surgery was completed on Wednesday evening and he had been advised by vets at the Melbourne Veterinary Hospital Equine Centre that Red Cadeaux was comfortable standing back in his box after the operation.

“The vets have advised me that the surgery went well and that Red Cadeaux is comfortable standing back in his box and has eaten which is fantastic news for all,” Dunlop said in a statement issued by Racing Victoria.

“Following the scans undertaken we consulted with world leading veterinary surgeons on sesamoid bone injuries to determine the best course of action to address Red Cadeaux’s injury.

“It was decided that surgery was the best option for the horse and that Dr Ben Ahern from the University of Adelaide School of Animal and Veterinary Science, an expert in these injuries, would fly in to conduct the surgery alongside Dr Chris Whitton and Dr Liz Walmsley from the University of Melbourne Veterinary Hospital Equine Centre.

“I would like to thank Chris, Ben, Liz and the team at the University of Melbourne Veterinary Hospital Equine Centre who are looking after the horse for the great care they are affording him.

“I would personally like to thank everyone who has offered their support and we will keep everyone informed of how he progresses.”