St Nicholas Abbey has suffered another “major complication” in his recovery from a broken pastern.
The triple Coronation Cup winner suffered the career-ending injury last month (23 July) during a routine gallop at Irish trainer Aidan O’Brien’s Ballydoyle base.
The 6-year-old underwent a life-saving operation to repair the injury — which required the bone to be held in place by 20 screws and 2 bone plates.
“A major complication in St Nicholas Abbey’s recovery arose on Monday evening as he appeared a little uncomfortable,” said owners Coolmore in a statement today (28 August)
“Radiographs showed the steel weight-bearing pin in his cannon bone had broken and after consultation, the surgeons decided to take it out.
The damaged pin can be seen clearly on this radiograph. [Picture from Coolmore]
“This development has come sooner than we would have ideally liked, so the next week is a very tentative period for us.”
Having initially undergone the surgery to repair the fracture last month (24 July) St Nicholas Abbey suffered a serious bout of colic 3 days later and had to have further surgery.
The statement added: “This morning St Nicholas Abbey is comfortable and is walking as well as can be expected.
“His temperament and demeanour are a tremendous plus both for him and the team treating him.”
