Maxfield, impressive winner of his first two starts including the Breeders’ Futurity (G1) at Keeneland in October, underwent surgery Monday to remove a “mildly displaced” ankle chip, according to a statement at Godolphin.com. The surgery was performed by Dr. Larry Bramlage at Rood & Riddle in Lexington.
Maxfield was scheduled to run in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) at Santa Anita earlier this month, but was withdrawn after entries were taken after trainer Brendan Walsh reported the colt wasn’t moving right.
“While it was obviously disappointing to miss the Breeders’ Cup, the welfare of the horse comes first and we brought him home for a full evaluation with Dr. Bramlage,” said Godolphin’s Jimmy Bell. “We will give the horse all the time he needs before resuming what we hope to be an exciting season for him next year.”
At the end of the 60 days, Maxfield will rejoin Walsh at the Palm Meadows Training Center in Florida.
A son of 2007 Kentucky Derby (G1) winner Street Sense, Maxfield won on debut at Churchill Downs September 15 going one mile, and then captured the 1 1/16-mile Breeders’ Futurity by 5 1/2 lengths. He was ridden both times by Jose Ortiz.
