Global Hunter, who broke down after winning the American Handicap (gr. IIT) at Hollywood Park July 4 and underwent surgery on his right front ankle the following day, is making an encouraging recovery at Alamo Pintado Equine Medical Center in Los Olivos, Calif, trainer A.C. Avila reported July 11.
“He’s doing fantastic,” said Avila of the 7-year-old horse, who had a plate and 16 screws inserted to stabilize the joint. If all goes well, Avila said Global Hunter would be transferred to Magali Farms for recuperation before returning to his native Argentina to begin stud duty.
Global Hunter underwent a four-hour surgery July 5 at Alamo Pintado after suffering a dislocated right front fetlock at the end of the 1 1/8-mile American on the turf. The horse defeated Temple City by a head and then took a bad step, but jockey Brice Blanc was able to pull him up within a few strides.
A son of Jade Hunter—Griffe de Paris, by Telescopico, Global Hunter won the 2009 Eddie Read Stakes (gr. IT) and placed in that year’s Bing Crosby Stakes (gr. I), Oak Tree Mile (gr. IIT), and Thunder Road Handicap (gr. III). He won eight of 30 starts for earnings of $611,365.