Vindication Back at Hill 'n' Dale After Hospitalization

Champion Vindication, who showed signs of discomfort at John Sikura's Hill 'n' Dale Farms near Lexington, has returned to breeding after spending time at Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital near Lexington. The 5-year-old son of Seattle Slew was sent to the clinic June 1.

"He had some inflammation in his intestine," Sikura said. "There was no surgery, and it's all cleared up. He came back two days later. He's breeding normal now."

Vindication covered 140 mares last year during his first season at stud, and is expected to cover a like number this year.

Vindication was champion 2-year-old male of 2002 after winning all four starts, including the Bessemer Trust Breeders' Cup Juvenile (gr. I). His dam, Strawberry Reason, is a graded stakes-winning daughter of Strawberry Road.