First Nadal, then Charlatan, and now Maxfield. With the exception of Tiz the Law, to be touted as a Kentucky Derby favorite this year has not exactly been lucky. Trainer Brendan Walsh confirmed his star undefeated three-year old Maxfield suffered a condylar fracture this morning while training for a start in the Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland. Maxfield was one of the early favorites for this year’s Kentucky Derby. It was thought by many the delayed Derby this year would help with defections due to injury, but it appears not to be the case as three high profile horses have already been declared from the race.
Trainer Walsh said the following :
“Coming back to the barn, it was obvious there was something up, X-rays were taken, revealing a non-displaced lateral condylar fracture. Then at around 9:30 a.m. ET he was sent to Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital, where he is scheduled to undergo surgery with orthopedic specialist Dr. Larry Bramlage.”
Walsh had decided to skip the Belmont Stakes and keep Maxfield at Keeneland for the Blue Grass which is also around two turns. Maxfield is already a stakes winner at Keeneland as a two year old and that is where the Breeders’ Cup is scheduled to be run later this year.
