Vinery Stables’ and Fox Hill Farm’s FRIESAN FIRE (A.P. Indy), who was made the favorite
for this year’s Kentucky Derby (G1) after three consecutive graded stakes wins
this spring, has been sidelined for a couple of months due to injury.
“When Friesan Fire grabbed a quarter in the Kentucky Derby, we felt like
he had an excuse for that race,” Vinery General Manager Tom Ludt said. “Going
into the Preakness (G1), he seemed like his old self and was training
beautifully. When he turned in an uncharacteristic race that day, we became
concerned.”
Ludt added that the colt was examined by Dr. Larry Bramlage of Rood and
Riddle Equine Hospital and was found to have a stress fracture in his left front
leg. In addition, there is a secondary non-displaced chip fracture in his right
front fetlock. He will undergo surgery to repair the chip on Friday.
Friesan Fire captured the Lecomte S. (G3) and Risen Star S. (G3) at Fair
Grounds, then proceeded to complete a sweep of the three-year-old stakes at the
New Orleans track when posting a 7 1/4-length win
the Louisiana Derby (G2). The bay colt will rehabilitate at Vinery’s Kentucky training center.