Thoroughbred Rachel Alexandra is healing well following a surgical procedure performed March 7 to drain an abscess that developed adjacent to her reproductive tract and rectum.

Veterinarians at Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital, in Lexington, Ky., are pleased that her appetite is "even more voracious" to start the week, and her attitude and vital signs remain normal. The 2009 Horse of the Year remains under close observation at Rood & Riddle.

March 13 will mark one month since the 2009 BlackBerry Preakness Stakes winner underwent abdominal surgery to remove a damaged section of colon following the Feb. 12 birth of her Bernardini filly.

Though Rachel Alexandra continues to make remarkable progress on what has been called a long road toward recovery, Rood & Riddle noted that last week’s procedure was a reminder of the many hurdles she can face along the way