Flemington Racecourse have put new safety measures in place following the death of Melbourne Cup horse Araldo.

The seventh-placed horse, who was unnerved after the race when walking down a pathway to the mounting yard because of a flag being waved, was euthanised after suffering a serious leg injury.

"The incident involving Araldo was a freak accident and something that we have not seen previously," BBC Sport quotes Racing Victoria chairman of stewards Terry Bailey as saying.

"However, we have taken these interim measures for the remainder of the carnival and will discuss the long-term procedures with the VRC following its completion."

The race celebrated its first ever German winner as Protectionist was the first to cross the finish line.