Necropsy Shows War Emblem Died From Ruptured Intestine

The necropsy report of War Emblem, who was found deceased at Old Friends March 11, determined that the 2002 Kentucky Derby (G1) and Preakness Stakes (G1) winner died from a ruptured small intestine. Old Friends president and founder Michael Blowen released the findings March 24. 

War Emblem's death was initially perceived to be a fatal paddock accident. A full medical report was pending at that time. War Emblem returned from stud duty in Japan in 2015 and retired to Old Friends, the Thoroughbred retirement facility in Georgetown, Ky. He was 21 this year.

"After War Emblem's sudden death, a complete necropsy was performed at the University of Kentucky Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. The cause of death was ruptured small intestine," Dr. Bryan Waldridge, Old Friends' resident veterinarian, of Park Equine Hospital in Versailles, Ky., said in a statement. "The cause of the tear in his small intestine could not be determined by anatomic or microscopic examination. No strangulation or displacement of the small intestine was present. Rupture of the small intestine without a predisposing cause is an uncommon and, unfortunately, fatal injury."

"We were very proud to be given the opportunity to repatriate War Emblem when his stallion career came to an end, and we were lucky enough to have him with us for nearly five years," Blowen said. "His great speed, great beauty, intelligence, and distinct personality made him one of our most popular and beloved retirees, visited by hundreds of fans weekly, even in our off season.

"Our entire staff was devastated by his unexpected passing. We'll all miss him terribly."