"We will take care of this minor problem now so that he will be in a great position to participate in the major 3-year-old events this summer," Haisfield said. "The timing is unfortunate to miss the rest of the Triple Crown, but our ultimate goal is to have Lawyer Ron in top condition for the Breeders' Cup Classic (grade I, Nov. 4) at Churchill Downs."Lawyer Ron, who is also owned by the Estate of the late James T. Hines, Jr., finished 12th in the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I).
Lawyer Ron is scheduled to have a small chip removed from his right, hind ankle May 12 at Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital. The surgery, to be performed by Dr. Larry Bramlage, will force the son of Langfuhr to miss the Preakness Stakes (gr. I) at Pimlico May 20. It is anticipated the Arkansas Derby (gr. II) winner can return to training in about 30 days. After discussions with trainer Bob Holthus, Audrey Haisfield, owner of Stonewall Farm near Versailles, Ky., and the majority owner of Lawyer Ron, said everyone wanted to act in the best interest of the horse.