While still under a guarded prognosis, multiple grade I/group I winner St Nicholas Abbey had his best week since his initial July 24 surgery, Ireland's Coolmore Stud reported Sept. 4.
The news comes after the 6-year-old son of Montjeu suffered a setback in his recovery Aug. 26 from a life-threatening fracture sustained on the Ballydoyle gallops July 23 and a bout of colic that also required surgery two days later.
A major complication in the European star's recovery arose when the steel weight-bearing pin in his cannon bone broke and had to be removed at Fethard Equine Hospital, where he is under care.
"Since the pin removal, his weight-bearing on the injured leg has improved gradually, and he is walking as well as can be expected with a cast," the latest Coolmore update said. "St Nicholas Abbey seems more content, lying down several times a night to rest, and his appetite is excellent so he is starting to thrive.
"His temperature has stabilized and blood work has normalized."
Coolmore reported surgeons Dr. Ger Kelly and Dr. Tom O'Brien are more upbeat on St Nicholas Abbey's prognosis, however, there are many weeks to go before he is out of danger.
For more on St Nicholas Abbey, view his profile here.