(Originally published at BloodHorse.com.)
Disclaimer: Seek the advice of a qualified veterinarian before proceeding with any diagnosis, treatment, or therapy.
Dunkirk, who ran a gutsy, front-running second in the June 6 Belmont Stakes, came out of the race with a non-displaced condylar fracture of the left hind cannon bone and will undergo surgery June 9 at the brand new Ruffian Equine Medical Center across the street from Belmont Park. Patricia Hogan, VMD, Dipl. ACVS, will perform the operation.
"He will have a screw placed in the area that will stabilize the injury while it heals," said trainer Todd Pletcher in a release. "We anticipate a full recovery and a return to racing later this fall."
The Belmont was just the fifth start in Dunkirk's career, which began with a maiden victory Jan. 24 at Gulfstream Park by 5 ¾ lengths. He next won an allowance event by daylight at the same venue, then ran second behind Quality Road in the Florida Derby. Dunkirk was a disappointing 11th in the Kentucky Derby, but came back with a strong effort in the Belmont, carving out honest fractions early before being passed by Mine That Bird in the stretch. But Dunkirk came back on to finish ahead of Mine That Bird, and 2 ¾ lengths behind winner Summer Bird.
Dunkirk (Unbridled's Song--Secret Status, by A. P. Indy) is owned by Michael Tabor, Sue Magnier, and Derrick Smith. He was bred in Kentucky by W. S. Farish, James Elkins, and W. T. Webber Jr. He has earned $393,200.
Dunkirk was a $3.7-million Keeneland September yearling sale purchase