Latest News – The Horse

The pharmacy involved in the investigation into the recent death of 21 polo ponies in Wellington, Fla., has released a statement verifying that selenium was the excess ingredient in the medication prepared for the ponies.

Florida State Veterinarian Thomas J. Holt, DVM, reported yesterday that the animals had “significantly

NBC Universal is planning a full-court press when it comes to handling the 135th Kentucky Derby, with all-week coverage featured in a variety of programming and platforms.

The race itself will be part of a three-hour show from 4 p.m.-7 p.m. EST Saturday, May 2 airing on the NBC network, but Derby segments can be seen on the Today show. The show will air live from Churchill Downs Friday,

Win Willy, fourth-place finisher in the Arkansas Derby, was declared out of the Kentucky Derby by trainer Mac Robertson on the morning of April 29, hours before entries were to be taken for the May 2 race at Churchill Downs.

Robertson said an X ray taken Tuesday revealed a “line” in the left front fetlock that could or could not be a problem. So, to err on the side of caution, the

Florida State Veterinarian Thomas J. Holt, DVM, reported today that an overdose of selenium was the probable cause of death of the 21 polo horses that collapsed prior to a competition in Wellington on April 19.

In a memorandum to Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles H. Bronson’s office, Holt

Can horses get swine flu?

Probably not, said Tom Chambers, PhD, who heads the OIE Reference Laboratory for Equine Influenza at the University of Kentucky’s Gluck Equine Research Center in Lexington.

Influenza viruses have an amazing ability to mutate and change their characteristics, so scientists who study them never say “never.” But, while it’s perhaps not impossible for a

When presented with a horse demonstrating facial nerve paralysis and/or a head tilt, neurologists say veterinarians should consider temporohyoid osteoarthropathy, a disorder of the hyoid apparatus (voice box) and associated structures. Although it is not the most commonly diagnosed neurologic condition in horses, it’s an important and treatable condition that horse owners and their

Fans entering Gate 1 at Churchill Downs may have their breath taken away when they arrive for the races Kentucky Derby week following the unveiling of life-sized statue of Barbaro April 26. The event drew a “Friends of Barbaro” crowd of about 500 who cheered with approval when the tarp was pulled off the sculpture.

Tugging at the cloth were Roy and Gretchen Jackson, the breeders and

A call to jury duty prevented Mary Anna Wood from competing her 38-year-old half-Arabian gelding, Elmer Bandit in the Rustlers and Renegades Competitive Trail ride in Cherryvale, Kan., this past weekend. Elmer broke the record for lifetime competitive trail mileage

J. Paul Reddam’s Square Eddie will not run in Saturday’s Kentucky Derby, trainer Doug O’Neill told The Blood-Horse early April 28.

The son of Smart Strike, who has been plagued with sore shins while on the Derby trail, worked a half-mile at Churchill Downs April 26 under exercise rider Tony Romero in :50 1/5.

The horse that died at this year’s Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event succumbed to an abdominal hemorrhage, according to a statement from Canadian Eventing Team Veterinarian Christiana Ober, DVM, released via Equine Canada.

Kingpin, a 13-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding ridden by Canadian Mike Winter, collapsed on landing after negotiating cross-country fence 10.

The operator of a Nebraska training ranch and sanctuary for Bureau of Land Management (BLM) mustangs could face further penalties if the BLM decides to seek its own charges in the case.

Morrill County authorities charged Jason Meduna with one count of felony animal cruelty in connection with the alleged maltreatment of

An accident on the track at Churchill Downs the morning of April 27 provided a tragic kickoff to the week leading up to the May 2 Kentucky Derby.

The incident occurred while many of the contenders for the Derby and the Kentucky Oaks were on the track to breeze following the morning maintenance break, although none of them were involved.

Doctor Rap, trained by David Carroll, was read

Quality Road, who figured to be among the top choices for Saturday’s Kentucky Derby will not start in the Run for the Roses, it was confirmed Monday morning by Chris Baker, farm manager of Edward Evans’ Spring Hill Farm.

“There was some tenderness in the foot this morning and he’s not 100%. (Trainer) Jimmy (Jerkens) wasn’t comfortable breezing him, and without a work, he can’t go,” Baker

The “greatest two minutes in sports” will be preceded by the greatest week in sports at the Web site of our sister publication, The Blood-Horse. With expanded video segments, including live streaming video on Derby Day, and award-winning news, BloodHorse.com has you covered throughout Derby week.

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