Derby Scratch Finnick the Fierce Diagnosed With Leg Strain

Finnick the Fierce | Coady Photo

Arnaldo Monge and Rey Hernandez's Finnick the Fierce (Dialed In), a Friday scratch from last Saturday's GI Kentucky Derby after appearing off during morning training, has been diagnosed with a minor strain of his upper suspensory ligament. The injury is not career-ending, and the one-eyed gelding must rest for 30 days before resuming training.

“We sent Finnick to Dr. Larry Bramlage at Rood & Riddle and he found him to have a slightly enlarged proximal suspensory ligament with no fiber disruption. In layman's terms, it's a strain, not a tear, and his prognosis is good for a full recovery,” said Dr. Arnaldo Monge, DVM, who co-owns Finnick the Fierce with his   trainer Hernandez.

Third in a division of the GI Arkansas Derby in May, Finnick the Fierce most recently finished seventh in the GII Toyota Blue Grass S. in July. His connections hope a return to full training in October will allow him to make a start in November or December.

“Racing-fit horses don't lose much condition in 30 days, so we're hopeful he can make a start sometime in November or December,” said Monge. “That being said, it's not about a particular race or schedule–it's about the horse. The horse always comes first. That's why, as disappointing as it was to let go of that once-in-a-lifetime dream to run in the Derby, it was an easy decision, because it was about the horse and what's best for him.”

Not a subscriber? Click here to sign up for the daily PDF or alerts.

Copy Article Link

Liked this article? Read more like this.

  1. 'All Others' Tops Opening Pool Of KY Derby Future Wager
  2. 'Unfortunately, I Couldn't Split Myself' – Thorpedo Anna Posts Final Breeze for Distaff for McPeek at Saratoga; Derby-Winning Stablemate Mystik Dan Back on Worktab at Keeneland
  3. Four-Year Series Of Frontside/Infield Projects To Be Churchill's 'Largest Expansion To Date'
  4. Kentucky Derby Tickets on Sale Oct. 24
  5. With Derby Grandsons Set to Clash Again in BC Classic, Darling My Darling Holds Court at Fawn Leap
X

Never miss another story from the TDN

Click Here to sign up for a free subscription.