News: ‘Rachel Alexandra taking walks’

That’s the headline from an ESPN story about 2009 Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra, who is recovering well after undergoing abdominal surgery following foaling complications.

Top photo from Stonestreet Farm’s Facebook page.

Stonestreet Farms released the following update on its website yesterday:

Rachel Alexandra continues to face her recovery from abdominal surgery as a result of foaling complications with the same courage and determination that made her a champion on the track.

Her attending veterinarians at Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital, Dr. Brett Woodie and Dr. Bonnie Barr are pleased with her progress, which has included several short walks a day and an improved appetite this week.

As her diet becomes more normal, Dr. Woodie is encouraged that her gastro-intestinal function is improving, as well as her ‘feisty’ attitude.

Her medical team completed the course of post-surgery abdominal lavages on Tuesday and the two drains placed in her abdomen were removed.

While the road towards recovery remains long with many hurdles to overcome, Stonestreet’s Barbara Banke and Rachel’s team at Rood & Riddle are both inspired by her strength and happy with her progress in the week following surgery.

Following the ‘no news is good news’ theme, please expect the next official update on her condition on Saturday, February 23rd unless her condition changes.

Rachel Alexandra’s 140-pound filly, born Feb. 12, 2013 at 2:30 a.m. is healthy and is being tended by a nurse mare.

Rachel’s foal with her surrogate, from Stonestreet Farms’ Facebook page.

Keep up with the progress of Rachel Alexandra and her foal by following Stonestreet Farms on Facebook and Twitter, and updates are also posted on Stonestreet Farm’s website.

One of my favorite Rachel Alexandra races: The 2009 Preakness, where she ran strong from the start to beat a field full of boys including Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird. “And the filly did it!” Man, that gives me chills every time.

Go Rachel Alexandra!