Superstar filly Lady Eli ailing from Laminitis
It was pretty clear that her three-year-old turf peers were not going to slow down Lady Eli one bit. Sadly the magnificent young superstar has found a far more serious rival to battle. Mere mention of the word laminitis sends a cold shiver through the soul of anyone who appreciates horses. As first reported by David Grening of the Daily Racing Form, it’s my unpleasant task to pass on the news that Lady Eli has contracted laminitis in her two front hooves. Just one day removed from the disappointing announcement of California Chrome’s injury, the sad news hit like a ton of bricks today. A statement concerning the cause and the current situation of Lady Eli came from her trainer Chad Brown...
“We have some unfortunate news to report from our barn,” said Brown. “Following Lady Eli’s impressive victory in the Grade 1 Belmont Oaks on July 4, she sadly stepped on a nail on the horse path on the way back to our barn and injured her left front foot. Despite our efforts, including a talented team of veterinarians, Lady Eli’s injury has led to her developing laminitis. Thankfully, we have assembled the best possible team of veterinarians and farriers to stabilize her and assist her through these difficult times. I ask that all of her fans keep this magnificent racehorse in their prayers and hopefully she will be back on the racetrack flashing her brilliance again.”
The statement is both very scary and very hopeful at the same time. If you are unfamiliar with the dreaded disease laminitis, simply put, it is one of the most dangerous things a horse can contract. Very painful, laminitis is caused by weakening of the supporting lamina within the hoof, usually after some sort of stress to the area. In the case of Lady Eli, the stress came when she stepped on the unfortunate nail following her scintillating performance in the Belmont Oaks. As mentioned in the above statement, she was treated immediately, but sadly still developed laminitis.
While laminitis can often be fatal, it is also treatable, and many horses have been saved after suffering from laminitis. The recent case of Paynter being a success story, especially considering the severeness of his particular case. Lady Eli does have several things working in her favor; first, the Sheep Pond Partners owned star has been under constant care since first stepping on the nail, so the veterinarian team working on her has been able to battle the disease right from the beginning. Secondly, as such a star already, there can be little doubt that no expense will be spared to make Lady Eli well again. Already fitted with special shoes to offer support to her hooves, the battle will now commence, fought jointly by her medical team and the talented young filly herself.
We already know what Lady Eli can do, and in fact, overcome on the racetrack. Spectacular wins in a maiden special weight, the Miss Grillo, Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf, Appalachian, Wonder Again, and Belmont Oaks have more than demonstrated both her immense talent, as well as her fighting spirit. It is that strong spirit that will be greatly tested now, as she literally fights for survival.
Join me in sending our collective prayers directly to Lady Eli and her connections through this dangerous time. Godspeed to this marvelous young racehorse as she commences on her most important fight yet.