Melbourne hero Puzzle destroyed after breaking down in Cup

THERE was a sad postscript to yesterday's Ascot Gold Cup as Media Puzzle, winner of the 2002 Melbourne Cup, broke down in the final furlong and was quickly dismounted by Pat Smullen.

The Dermot Weld-trained nine-year-old was later put down after receiving extensive veterinary attention.

Paul Struthers, Horseracing Regulatory Authority spokesman, said: “After breaking down on the racecourse he was taken to the treatment centre at the racecourse stables so they could evaluate the extent of the injury.