Red Cadeaux has undergone surgery on the career-ending leg injury he suffered in Tuesday's Melbourne Cup.

The nine-year-old was pulled up by Gerald Mosse in the closing stages of Tuesday's race after fracturing the medial sesamoid in his left-fore fetlock.

Connections initially indicated that surgery was not immediately planned but following further consultation, Red Cadeaux underwent an operation on the injury yesterday at the University of Melbourne Equine Centre at Werribee.

Trainer Ed Dunlop said: "Following the scans undertaken yesterday we consulted with world leading veterinary surgeons on sesamoid bone injuries to determine the best course of action to address Red Cadeaux's injury.

"Having received their advice, myself, Robin (Trevor-Jones), Steve (Nicholson) and the vets who have taken care of Red Cadeaux during his trips to Australia met today and consulted with his owner Ronnie Arculli on the steps we would take.

“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.

“The vets have advised me that the surgery went well,” added a pleased Dunlop.