SUCCESSFUL APPEAL (Valid Appeal), the leading freshman sire of 2004,
underwent colic surgery on Monday at Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital in Lexington,
Kentucky.
“The small intestine was trapped over the nephrosplenic ligament, which is
rare,” said the attending surgeon, Dr. Rolf Embertson. “The bowel was slightly
thickened, but did not need resection, and we simply put everything back where
it was supposed to be. He is doing well, is comfortable, and should be able to
resume breeding in about four weeks if the incision is healing well.”
Successful Appeal, who is expected to be represented by Closing Argument in
the May 7 Kentucky Derby (G1), stands at Walmac Farm near Lexington.
“J. D. (Walmac Resident Veterinarian J.D. Howard) and Ron (Stallion
Manager Ron Gilbert) will closely monitor the stallion’s recovery and the
process of reporting to syndicate members and mare owners in ongoing,” Walmac Managing
Director John T.L. Jones III said.