While the racing world monitors the condition of Red Cadeaux, who is likely to spend his retirement at Living Legends in Melbourne, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has paid the beloved 10-year-old racehorse a visit. 
A dream turned to a nightmare for racegoers on Melbourne Cup day when Red Cadeaux's fifth attempt turned sour after the horse faltered and had to be pulled up near the winning post.
Red Cadeaux, who has finished second in three Melbourne Cups, was transported to a Werribee veterinary clinic after it was diagnosed he had incurred injuries to his left fetlock.
Andrews first met the horse's owner, Ronnie Arculli, and trainer Ed Dunlop in 2011 when Andrews was still opposition leader.
After visiting Red Cadeaux last week, and dining with the horse's connections, Andrews visited the veterinary clinic early on Saturday morning.
"It was great to visit an old friend and see him doing so well," Andrews said. "Cath and I first met Red, his owners and trainer back in 2011, his first of three second place finishes in the great race. We've stayed in touch ever since.
"I think all Victorians are so pleased he's pulled through and will stay with us for a long retirement."
Red Cadeaux has touched the world of racing by successfully competing in many countries, however Dunlop and Arculli have decided that Red Cadeaux will settle in Australia at the Living Legends property outside of Melbourne.
Dunlop returned to England last week, and while the misfortune of Red Cadeaux was a blow he maintains that the Melbourne Cup is one of the most important races on the world calendar.
"I spoke to my travelling head lad Robin Trevor-Jones this morning and he said he's happy with Red Cadeaux and how he's come through his surgery and he's well on the mend," Dunlop told the Racing Post.
"Obviously his rehabilitation is ongoing and it will be some time until he's ready to be moved but he won't be coming home. We are in discussions to have him transferred to Living Legends which is near Melbourne and where he'll prove to be a popular attraction," Dunlop said.
Red Cadeaux will be joining former Melbourne Cup winners Rogan Josh, Might And Power, Doriemus and Brew when he's capable of being transported to the Legends property.
Veterinary surgeons worked for some time on Red Cadeaux's fetlock and are happy with the horse's condition in the past few days.
Stablemate Trip To Paris continued Dunlop's remarkable run of placings in group 1 races when he finished second in the Caulfield Cup and fourth in the Melbourne Cup, and he will now head to Japan for that country's Cup.
Trip To Paris was stripped on his left hind leg but since then he has recovered to take the flight.
Melbourne Cup favourite Fame Game and fellow Japanese Hokko Brave have left Melbourne for Japan while the European contingent will jet out for England on Wednesday.
It's unclear exactly which of the international team will head to Hong Kong for their rich races in   December.