Rachel Alexandra Doing 'Better Than Expected'

Veterinarians at Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital near Lexington remain pleased with the progress of 2009 Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra following her abdominal surgery resulting from foaling complications Feb. 13.

According to a Feb. 28 update from Stonestreet Farm, Dr. Brett Woodie, who performed the surgery, calls the recovery of the 7-year-old daughter of Medaglia d'Oro "better than expected."

Over the weekend of Feb. 23-24, Rachel Alexandra's appetite was good enough that she was taken off IV fluids and nutrition Feb. 23. She continues to hand walk and graze several times a day; her vitals are normal and her trademark spirit has returned, including a nip here and there.

Dr. Bonnie Barr often credits Rachel Alexandra's progress to the champion mare's strong will and intelligence, noting that Rachel "lets us take care of her." For much of her day, that caregiver is medicine technician Brent Comer, who grooms and keeps Rachel company each day. The two have become fast friends, with Brent providing ear massages and a full buffet of treats.

Rachel Alexandra and Comer were undeterred by a pop-up shower of sleet during her scheduled afternoon walk Feb. 27.

"We continue to hope for steady, uneventful, daily progress," read the latest update from Stonestreet. "Please look for the next update one week from today, on March 7, unless a change in her condition occurs."

Stonestreet also posted recent pictures of Rachel Alexandra's Bernardini filly, who was born Feb. 12, along with her nurse mare Ojos, to their Facebook page.