NEW YORK (AP) — Animal Kingdom has a small fracture to the cannon bone in his left hind leg that will keep the Kentucky Derby winner out for several weeks.
The colt’s ownership, Team Valor International, said in a statement Thursday that Animal Kingdom had scans of the leg at the New Bolton Research Center in Kennett Square, Pa., after a disappointing finish in the Belmont Stakes.
Dr. Dean Richardson found a small “fissure” where the cannon bone joins the hock.
Veterinarians believe the 3-year-old colt will be sound in about two weeks, though there is the danger that the crack will become a larger fracture.
Animal Kingdom was bumped at the start of the Belmont by Isn’t He Perfect and nearly fell. He recovered to finish sixth.
