Three-time European classic hero Camelot has come through exploratory surgery for colic in good order, according to Coolmore Stud's Twitter page.
"Camelot's colic surgery went well and he is doing great," Coolmore tweeted Friday. "The veterinary team are delighted with his progress to date."
Camelot just ran in last Sunday's Group 1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp, finishing seventh in the only unplaced effort of his career. The Aidan O'Brien trainee subsequently returned to his home base at Ballydoyle in Ireland.Exhibiting signs of colic, Camelot was sent on Thursday evening to Fethard Veterinary Hospital in County Tipperary, where he underwent exploratory surgery.
The highly-regarded colt had won his first five career starts, including the Group 1 Two Thousand Guineas, Group 1 Derby at Epsom and the Group 1 Irish Derby. Camelot aimed for an historic sweep of the English Triple Crown in the Group 1 St Leger on September 15, but failed to catch Encke and suffered his first defeat.
After that runner-up effort over an extended 1 3/4 miles, connections gave Camelot a chance to bounce back in the 1 1/2-mile Arc, but he never got involved on the heavy going and was beaten by 12 1/2 lengths.
Although O'Brien said at the time that Camelot would remain in training as a four-year-old, plans could be revisited in light of the colt's surgery.
Camelot is by the late Coolmore stallion Montjeu, who died of complications from septicemia on March 29. The outstanding champion and sire was only 16 years old.
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