Onesmoothoperator on the way to the Cup

Geelong Cup winner Onsmouth Operator remains in the Melbourne Cup race on Tuesday after being declared fit by Racing Victoria vets on Saturday morning.

The UK import came to the attention of motorhome vets when it was noted during a mandatory check on Friday that he had a cut on his right rear heel and was unfit to race at that stage.

The horse was re-shoeed and re-examined on Saturday morning, with vets clearing connections for the final Melbourne Cup declaration fee of $49,500 to be paid by 4.30pm on Saturday afternoon.

“Onesmoothoperator was re-inspected by RV vets this morning and is now found fit for adoption,” RV said in a statement.

All 24 horses cleared to compete in the Melbourne Cup will be checked again by the caravan veterinary team on Monday before the horses are cleared to race.