A Dec. 10 update from Coolmore Stud spoke positively of the recovery of six-time grade/group I-winner St Nicholas Abbey, who continues to battle complications from a fractured right foreleg sustained in Ireland July 23.
"St Nicholas Abbey remains in great form despite the ongoing complications of laminitis, and indeed from this short video is walking as good as can be expected," Coolmore representatives said in a post to Facebook, which included a brief video of the 6-year-old horse walking toward the viewer.
"We would hope to see progress in the laminitic foot over the next few weeks, hoping that he continues to grow the hoof," the update said. "If this happens, rehabilitation of the fractured leg can then progress."
The last update on St Nicholas Abbey came Nov. 28, when Coolmore reported he had reached a "critical point" in his recovery from life-threatening laminitis in his left front foot—a development termed "the single biggest complication he has faced since his initial life-saving surgery."
The son of Montjeu fractured his right foreleg while training at Ballydoyle for Aidan O'Brien July 23, and subsequently underwent surgery. He developed laminitis in October, and veterinarians expressed concern that the condition could progress to further sinking of the pedal bone in his left front foot.
Unplaced in only three of his 21 career starts, St Nicholas Abbey had nine wins, two seconds, and seven third-place finishes to his credit while earning $7,863,492. His victories include the Emirates Airline Breeders' Cup Turf, Investec Diamond Jubilee Coronation Cup (three times), Racing Post Trophy, and Dubai Sheema Classic Presented by Longines, all grade/group I events.
Visit our St Nicholas Abbey profile page for previous reports on his condition and recovery.