New York-bred champion sprinter Giant Ryan, who fractured both left front sesamoids during the running of the True North Handicap (gr. II) on the Belmont Stakes (gr. I) undercard June 9, remained stabled at Belmont Park overnight.
"He's OK this morning, not good, but OK," owner Shivananda Parbhoo said June 10 of Giant Ryan, who is being kept in a splint to relieve pressure on the injured limb. "He ate his food last night, and drank a lot of water, which is a good sign."
Parbhoo said that the current plan was for Giant Ryan, a grade I-winning son of Freud , to have surgery in an attempt to repair the fracture so he could go on to a stud career. But he said that nothing was firmly scheduled.
Giant Ryan was injured taking a bad step while battling for the lead in the stretch run of the six-furlong True North that was won by Caixa Eletronica. Jockey Willie Martinez pulled the 6-year-old bay up in distress and quickly dismounted.
"We're waiting on a call from the doctor and then we'll ship to the hospital, most likely New Bolton (at the University of Pennsylvania)." Parbhoo said. "I'm hoping for today, but waiting for their call."