Global Hunter, who broke down immediately after winning the July 4 American Handicap (gr. IIT) at Hollywood Park, underwent a four-hour surgery July 5 at Alamo Pintado Equine Medical Center in Los Olivos, Calif. Co-owner Shawn Turner said that Dr. Carter Judy performed the surgery with Dr. Doug Herthel assisting and that the horse was doing well.
"The bottom line is Global got up within an hour, standing on all fours and putting pretty good weight on the injured leg," said Turner July 5. "They’ve told me it’s 50-50 right now, which is a big climb up from where we were last night. I think we’ve got the right patient to try to get lucky."
Global Hunter suffered 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. Jockey Brice Blanc was able to pull up Global Hunter within a few strides. Turner, co-owner Monte Pyle, and trainer A.C. Avila quickly decided to do whatever they could to save the horse.
"Dr. Herthel fell in love with this horse a year ago,” said Turner. "He arranged for a special van and demanded that we send Global up last night. We want to do whatever we can for the horse. When I look into his eyes, I see a classy, classy animal. If there is any chance at all, this horse will take it."
A 7-year-old Argentine-bred 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 has won eight of 30 starts for earnings of $611,365.
Turner said the outpouring of concern from the racing community has helped the owners and Avila.
"Everyone involved in the community has been so wonderful," Turner said. "It’s been gratifying to see the unconditional love they have for these animals."
