New Injury Diagnosis for International Star
Image:
Description:
Upon further evaluation of sidelined Louisiana Derby (gr. II) winner International Star, veterinarians have diagnosed a hairline fracture in his left knee.
Owner Ken Ramsey said the morning of May 5 that the 3-year-old son of Fusaichi Pegasus was suffering from an ankle chip in the left front that would need to be surgically removed. But later that day, Ramsey Farm manager Mark Partridge said that upon further evaluation, vets discovered the hairline fracture in the knee.
Partridge said the vets don't believe the ankle chip is causing any kind of problem. As for the knee, the plan calls for International Star to rehab on an aquatic treadmill for 60 to 90 days and avoid surgery.
Ramsey said they had hoped to race International Star, who is trained by Mike Maker, in the Peter Pan Stakes (gr. II) May 9 at Belmont Park and then in the Belmont Stakes (gr. I) June 6.
"I'm a little depressed, but we'll just have to come up with different plans," Ramsey said Tuesday, May 5.
International Star, who was the points leader in the Road to the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I), was scratched on the morning of the race because of soreness in that same foot.
International Star swept this year's graded stakes for 3-year-olds at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots, registering victories in the Louisiana Derby, Risen Star Stakes (gr. II), and Lecomte Stakes (gr. III).