St Nicholas Abbey 'Best He Has Been'

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Nearly one month since St Nicholas Abbey underwent major surgery to repair a life-threatening fracture of his right foreleg, Coolmore reported Aug. 21 that the multiple grade/group I winner is "the best he has been" since sustaining the injury.

The 6-year-old son of Montjeu underwent two major operations—one for a life-threatening fracture and one after colicking due to caecal shutdown—after injuring his pastern on trainer Aidan O'Brien's Ballydoyle gallops July 23. He had surgery on the fracture July 24 at Fethard Equine Hospital and underwent an operation for the colic issue two days later.

"The veterinary interns who are with him 24/7 described him today as the best he has been, and the veterinary surgeons are equally happy," Coolmore reported on its website. "Recent radiographs look good, his temperature remains normal, and his white blood-cell count is good."

In a previous update from Coolmore Aug. 9, it was reported that surgeons Dr. Tom O'Brien and Dr. Ger Kelly were happy with the wound and alignment of joints, while consulting U.S. surgeons Dr. Dean Richardson and Dr. Nathan Solvis were also pleased with the progress of the European star.

"St Nicholas Abbey is eating well and has put on a little weight," Coolmore said. "He's comfortable and is lying down regularly to give himself every chance. As his recovery continues, we hope we can give a similarly positive update in another month."

St Nicholas Abbey had nine wins, two seconds, and seven third-place finishes in 21 starts for earnings of $7,863,492. His victories included the Emirates Airline Breeders' Cup Turf, Investec Diamond Jubilee Coronation Cup (three times), Racing Post Trophy, and Dubai Sheema Classic, all grade or group I events.