Rachel Alexandra, the first filly in 85 years to win the Preakness when she won the US Triple Crown race in 2009, was in serious but stable condition on Monday at an equine hospital.
The mare, who earned 2009 Horse of the Year honors, was being treated after abdominal surgery performed last week following foaling complications.
“If she wasn’t as smart and as strong-willed as she is, she wouldn’t be progressing the way she is,” said veterinarian Bonnie Barr.
Rachel Alexandra gave birth to a 140-pound filly last Tuesday but was hospitalized the next day with excess fluid in her abdomen. An infection was discovered and a damaged section of the horse’s colon was surgically repaired.
The mare took a short walk outside on Monday morning and ate a small amount of grass.
Rachel Alexandra retired in 2010 with 13 wins in 19 starts and earnings of more than $3.4 million. Beating the colts in the Preakness and other races in 2009 proved the highlights of her career.
Rachel Alexandra gave birth to a 125-pound bay colt in January of last year by 2007 and 2008 Horse of the Year Curlin, the now one-year-old horse being dubbed a super horse by Stonestreet Farm owner Jess Jackson, who could enter him in 2015 Triple Crown races.
Preakness winner Rachel Alexandra serious but stable
