Princess Dorian Euthanized After Developing Laminitis

Princess Dorian, who received surgery after being vanned off the track at Del Mar Nov. 10, was euthanized Nov. 18 following the development of laminitis. The Daily Racing Form was the first to report the story.

"She developed laminitis very quickly and her condition worsened very fast," Erik Johnson, an NHL Colorado Avalanche defenseman who races as ERJ Racing, said via email Monday. "There was nothing more to be done for her. If there was, we would have done it."

Johnson co-owned the 5-year-old mare with trainer Andrew Lerner.

In Del Mar's second race Nov. 10, an $8,000 claimer, Princess Dorian stalked the pace into the main track's stretch but was pulled up by jockey Abel Cedillo. She was vanned off the track and transported to the equine hospital at San Luis Rey Downs, where she underwent surgery the following day for a foreleg injury. Connections were optimistic regarding Princess Dorian's prognosis before laminitis developed.

Princess Dorian was one of three horses that incurred major injuries Nov. 10 at Del Mar, the others being Ghost Street in a turf race and Prayer Warrior in a race on dirt. Ghost Street and Prayer Warrior were both euthanized.

The dark bay Idiot Proof mare was claimed by Lerner and Johnson for $20,000 Aug. 29 at Del Mar and won her next outing for them Oct. 13 at Santa Anita Park in a $10,000 claiming race. Though Princess Dorian was a recent addition to the stable, she was quick to make an impression.

"She was not in the barn long, but everyone around her loved her," Johnson said. "She was eager to train and loved her job. I was lucky to own her, I will miss her."

Johnson was unwavering in his commitment to help Princess Dorian recover in hopes she could live out a great life. 

"Horse racing is a beautiful sport. The horses are everyone's primary concern at all times," Johnson said. "I felt it was important to share with people that we were doing all we could for her. If there is a chance a horse's life can be saved, all avenues should be explored. Whether she was an $8,000 claimer or a graded stakes horse was irrelevant to me. She deserved a chance. If I had to do it all over again, I would."