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.
“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.”