St Nicholas Abbey Remains in 'Good Form'

Group I winner pleasing doctors with recovery from life-threatening fracture.

Multiple group/grade I winner St Nicholas Abbey remains in "good form" at Fethard Equine Hospital and recently had his fiberglass cast replaced, the latest update from owner Coolmore Stud said Aug. 9.

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 and underwent an operation for the colic issue two days later.

"Surgeons Dr. Tom O'Brien and Dr. Ger Kelly were happy with the wound and alignment of joints which are as good as can be expected at this time," the Coolmore update read. "Consulting USA surgeons Dr. (Dean) Richardson and Dr. (Nathan) Slovis have both reassessed St Nicholas Abbey during the week and are happy with his progress."

In a July 27 bulletin, Coolmore said treatment for the caecal shutdown included intravenous feeding to fulfill daily nutritional requirements. The ownership group stated earlier that recovery from the emergency surgeries would be long and complicated.

Dr. Nathan Solvis, a medicine specialist from the Hagyard Equine Medical Institute in Lexington, arrived July 27 to oversee the horse's ongoing treatments.
 
"All surgeons are pleased with the progress he is making with his pastern reconstruction, and he is taking weight on the leg well," the July 27 Coolmore update said.
 
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 Presented by Longines, all grade or group I events.