St Nicholas Abbey has reached a "critical" point in his recovery from laminitis, Coolmore Stud reported Nov. 28.
In an update on its website, Coolmore said the 6-year-old horse is comfortable but "is struggling to overcome the laminitis in his left front foot. This is indeed life-threatening and is the single biggest complication he has faced since his initial life-saving surgery."
Coolmore said the concern is that should the condition progress with further sinking of the pedal bone in St Nicholas Abbey's left front foot, it could go through the sole of his foot.
"In spite of this, St Nicholas Abbey is very comfortable, being just a little ouchy when walking in his first steps and better thereafter," the report said. "His appetite and demeanor remain incredibly good. His intensive veterinary treatment continues and includes maggot therapy for the slight discharge at the toe of the laminitic foot and a daily session on a vibrating plate.
"The next few weeks are critical for St Nicholas Abbey; we are just hoping that he can turn the corner."
The son of Montjeu fractured his right foreleg while training at Ballydoyle in Ireland July 23, and subsequently underwent surgery. In its most recent report on the horse's condition in late October, Coolmore said St Nicholas Abbey had developed laminitis 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.