International superstar St Nicholas Abbey sustained a career-ending injury the morning of July 23 at trainer Aidan O'Brien's Ballydoyle headquarters and efforts were being made by veterinarians to save the 6-year-old horse for stud duty.
According to a Twitter post from Coolmore Stud, St Nicholas Abbey suffered a fractured pastern during a routine work at Ballydoyle. He is currently in a comfortable condition at Fethard Equine Hospital, where he is scheduled for surgery by a "highly experienced surgical team" the morning of July 24.
"The operation to stabilize and repair will be long and complicated," Coolmore stated through its Twitter account. "We will need a bit of luck, so fingers crossed for St Nicholas Abbey."
A son of Montjeu, St Nicholas Abbey was trained by O'Brien for the Coolmore connections of Michael Tabor, Mrs. John Magnier, and Derrick Smith.
Unplaced in only three of his 21 career starts, St Nicholas Abbey has nine wins, two seconds, and seven third-place finishes to his credit while earning $7,863,492. His victories include the Emirates Airline Breeders' Cup Turf, Investec Diamond Jubilee Coronation Cup (three times), Racing Post Trophy, and Dubai Sheema Classic Presented by Longines, all grade/group I events.
Coolmore said additional updates would be made available on St Nicholas Abbey's condition.
