Rachel Alexandra, Horse of the Year in 2009, was said to be in “serious” condition at the Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital in Lexington, Ky., following surgery Wednesday night for a complications that resulted from her foaling a filly by Bernardini early Tuesday morning.
The 7-year-old mare underwent surgery to repair a bruised area in her small colon, which was injured during the birth.
Rachel’s owner, Stonestreet Farm, where she has been stabled since being retired after her 2010 season, issued a release late Wednesday that said, “A full prognosis cannot be determined at this time, but her condition is serious.”
“We are solely focused on making sure Rachel is as comfortable as possible,” Stonestreet’s Barbara Banke said. “She is showing the same strength and courage now that she demonstrated on the track. Our hearts are broken by this turn of events, and I can only ask that you send your thoughts and prayers to Rachel now.”
Rachel Alexandra’s newborn filly, her second foal, is under the care of a nurse mare and is in good health.
In January 2012, Rachel gave birth to a colt by two-time Horse of the Year Curlin that’s been named Jess’s Dream, in honor of Curlin and Rachel’s late owner, Jess Jackson. Soon after, she was sent to Rood and Riddle for pain management.