Chelokee, who dislocated his right front ankle May 2 during the Alysheba Stakes (gr. III) on the Kentucky Oaks day undercard at Churchill Downs, continues to be on the improve at Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital in Lexington, according to Dr. Larry Bramlage.
“Everything is going as well as hoped for,” Bramlage said. “He continues to do well.”
The colt’s chances of survival remain at 60-40, Bramlage said.
As previously reported, Bramlage fused Chelokee’s damaged ankle in a procedure known as a fetlock arthrodesis. The colt tore all the ligaments located in the back of the fetlock which were connected to the pastern joint. During the surgical procedure, the main ligament to the pastern joint was replaced with a polyethylene cord. The cord will help support the ankle until it has fused.
The cast placed on Chelokee after the surgery is due to be replaced on or about May 26, Bramlage said, noting the colt’s prognosis would be reassessed after that procedure.
A son of Cherokee Runout of the Silver Ghost mare Dixie Ghost, Chelokee is owned by Centennial Farms and trained by Michael Matz. He captured the Northern Dancer Stakes (gr. III) at Churchill and the Barbaro Stakes at Pimlico Race Course last year.
