St Nicholas Abbey, who suffered a fractured pastern during a routine work July 23 and underwent surgery the following day, is recuperating in the intensive care unit at Fethard Equine Hospital in England, owner Coolmore said July 25.
The 6-year-old horse by Montjeu appeared comfortable, Coolmore said via Twitter. Surgery was conducted in consultation with Dr. Dean Richardson, head of surgery at the New Bolton Center in Pennsylvania.
Richardson handled surgery and subsequent treatment for the late Barbaro, whose racing career ended after he broke down soon after the start of the 2006 Preakness Stakes (gr. I).
"We are lucky he is so fit and has a marvelous attitude and temperament, which will be vital for his long recovery," Coolmore said.
St Nicholas Abbey, trained by Aidan O'Brien, fractured a pastern at the Ballydoyle training facility. Coolmore earlier stated the operation would be long and complicated.
"He will remain in intensive care for some time, and has many bridges to cross before he is considered out of danger," Coolmore said.
St Nicholas Abbey has nine wins, two seconds, and seven third-place finishes in 21 starts for earnings of $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 or group I events.