Roe Going The Right Way

Vinnie Roe is making a good recovery after enduring a nightmare journey to Australia for the Emirates Melbourne Cup.

The four-times Irish St Leger winner suffered colic and required veterinary treatment during a marathon 48-hour trip from trainer Dermot Weld´s Curragh base.

But he is on the mend and connections are pleased with his condition.

'He´s making good progress and we´re very happy with him. He´s back in light exercise,' said Weld.

The seven-year-old was settling in at the Sandown quarantine centre following his arrival on Tuesday.

Weld´s son Mark told www.theage.com.au: 'He virtually had to travel an extra 24 hours than the other horses on the flight.

'It was such a traumatic trip. He left here in very stormy conditions and had to travel on the ferry to England. Then it was another six hours on the float and six hours more waiting to be loaded on to the plane.

'We´ve never had a horse have to endure such conditions and you can just imagine yourself, you would be starting to feel sick.'

Vinnie Roe is on his third visit to Australia for the race on November 1 after finishing fourth to stablemate Media Puzzle in 2002 and second to Makybe Diva 12 months ago.

This year´s Melbourne Cup is to be his last race and it was announced earlier in the week that Coolmore Stud in Ireland had bought Vinnie Roe as a jumps stallion for an undisclosed sum.

He travelled over with the Sir Michael Stoute-trained Distinction and Mark Tompkins´ Franklins Gardens, who were both reported to have taken their journeys well.

(C) PA Sport