Maxfield Off Derby Trail With Condylar Fracture

Two weeks after Nadal fell off the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (G1) trail with a condylar fracture, another leading 3-year-old, Maxfield, is out with the same injury.

Perfect in three starts, highlighted by a 5 1/2-length win over Gouverneur Morris in last fall's Claiborne Breeders' Futurity (G1), the son of Street Sense  was preparing for a start in the July 11 Toyota Blue Grass Stakes (G2) at Keeneland when his injury was discovered soon after a June 10 workout at the Lexington track. According to trainer Brendan Walsh, the Godolphin homebred worked well, breezing a half-mile in :49 on a fast track, but soon after began showing discomfort in his right front leg.

"Coming back to the barn, it was obvious there was something up," he said.

X-rays revealed a non-displaced lateral condylar fracture. At about 9:30 a.m. ET, he was sent to Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital, where he later underwent surgery with orthopedic specialist Dr. Larry Bramlage.

Speaking later Wednesday afternoon, Walsh said the surgery was a success.

"They put two screws in the injury and it came together really well. It went as well as it possibly could," the trainer said. "I think we're in good shape, and he's back (standing) now as well."

Depending on the severity of a condylar fracture, a horse can return to competition after a period of rest, though with horses of high value, sometimes retirement follows. Nadal was retired by co-owner George Bolton after his injury, though trainer Bob Baffert has said the colt could potentially return to training after a 90-day layoff.

The Derby is less than three months away, postponed this year until Sept. 5 because of COVID-19.

Walsh said post-race recovery and follow up X-rays will determine the length of time Maxfield needs before he can resume training, calling 60-90 days without exercise as standard. He credited Dr. Bramlage and his Keeneland veterinarians, Dr. Mark Cheney and Dr. Tammy Gillen, for their care and expertise.

"I've had a few horses with similar injuries and the majority have come back without an issue," Walsh said.

He believes the colt will go to Godolphin's Darley America farm near Lexington for post-surgery recovery.

"These things can always be worse," Jimmy Bell, the president of Godolphin USA, said Wednesday morning. "We're grateful we've got the horse we have, and we can overcome this and still have the opportunity. We all understand these things, and it's an unfortunate part of the game. The good news is everybody is going to be OK."

This is the second untimely injury for Maxfield, who was scratched by Walsh before the Nov. 1 TVG Breeders' Cup Juvenile (G1) at Santa Anita Park after he was uncomfortable in the days leading up to the race. Maxfield was later diagnosed with a bone chip in his right front ankle. The chip was removed via surgery.

Maxfield's connections took a cautious approach with him this spring, easing him into training. He returned to racing May 23 at Churchill Downs, winning the Matt Winn Stakes (G3) by a length under regular rider Jose Ortiz.

Maxfield is the second foal to race out of the Bernardini  mare Velvety, who also has a 2-year-old Medaglia d'Oro  colt and a yearling filly by the same sire. She foaled a Street Sense colt this year.

Maxfield had 60 qualifying points toward the Kentucky Derby with earnings of $442,762.

He is one of several high-profile defections from the Derby in recent weeks. Besides Nadal, Charlatan was withdrawn from Derby consideration by Baffert last weekend because of an ankle issue. Also Wednesday, trainer Brad Cox confirmed Wells Bayou will head to the sideline for approximately 90 days with bone bruising.