The $400,000 Grade II winner of the Risen Star Stakes, I’ve Struck A Nerve, has sustained an injury to his front leg that removes him from further pursuit of the Kentucky Derby and any dreams of the Triple Crown.
The horse won the Risen Star Stakes and has been training for the Derby.
On March 9, I’ve Struck A Nerve ran a half-mile breeze in :48 2/5 with jockey James Graham riding. He began to show pain and discomfort shortly after returning to the barn for cool out.
Trainer Keith Desormeaux talked about the early morning workout with the media. He said, "It was a beautiful work, the track was great, he came back great, James Graham loved the work, the time was legit and, as a matter of fact, it was above average, He cooled out for about 20 minutes, walked fine, went out to get his bath and was normal. As soon as he was done with his bath we could see that he was a little off in his left front ankle.”
Desormeaux continued, "We X-rayed it and it looks like he's got a fracture of a sesamoid. Not shattered. It is a serious injury but the prognosis is very favorable for a return to racing. But it's going to be a while, maybe six months.”
Desormeaux told the media about how I’ve Struck A Nerve was going to be treated.
Said Desormeaux, “He's going to Kentucky to Rood & Riddle to pay a visit to Dr. (Larry) Bramlage. He's going to overlook the X-rays, maybe take some more, and then decide the best course of action.”
The colt had earned 51 points toward the “Road to the Kentucky Derby” standings – getting 50 in the Risen Star win and 1 from a fourth-place showing in the Grade III Lecomte.
Desormeaux said, "I've dealt with this for 20 years; I've just never had it happen to a graded stakes winner. It's disappointing but we're a long way from being suicidal. The owner's very optimistic, we have other horses in the barn and we love the game. This horse will be well taken care of and he doesn't owe us anything. He's given us thrills beyond expectations so how can we be disappointed, really?"
Big Chief Racing just sold a minority interest on I’ve Struck A Nerve [by Yankee Gentleman] to Paul Braverman.
Early news release: Blood Horse
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