Laminitis has led to the retirement of the 2019 Kentucky Derby winner Country House.
Country House has not raced since being awarded the Kentucky Derby following the disqualification of Maximum Security however, a series of issues means the son of Lookin’ At Lucky has been retired.
Owner Blackwood Stables issued a statement on February 14 which read, Country House was “diagnosed with proximal suspensory ligament desmitis on both front fetlocks,”
“Country House experienced complications and was readmitted to Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital on July 1, where he was treated for a right front lower leg infection.
“Over the course of the next two weeks, the team at Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital got the infection under control, but as a result of his non-weight bearing right front foot, he developed laminitis in his left front foot. He was released on July 15 and returned to Blackwood for stall rest.
“Over the coming months, Dr. Scott Morrison was able to stabilise the foot and make Country House more comfortable. He is currently on turn out and we anticipate that he will make a full recovery, but because of the laminitis and the subsequent steps taken to save his life, he will never race again.”
Country House won two of his seven starts and retires with earnings of US$2,120,175.