In a stunning turn of events, Thorpedo Anna, the standout filly and leading contender for Horse of the Year honors, has undergone a minor dental procedure to address a lingering issue. The surgery, performed at trainer Ken McPeek’s farm in Lexington, Kentucky, involved the removal of a small bone fragment that had separated from the healthy bone in Thorpedo Anna’s jaw.
According to sources close to the situation, the 3-year-old champion had been dealing with a persistent sore inside her mouth following her triumphant Breeders’ Cup Distaff victory last month. Despite being on a well-deserved break from racing, the issue failed to resolve on its own, prompting further investigation by her veterinary team.
Uncovering the Root of the Problem
Thorpedo Anna’s connections grew concerned when the sore inside her mouth did not heal during her post-Breeders’ Cup rest period. Determined to identify the underlying cause, they sought the expertise of equine dental specialists, who conducted a thorough examination of the filly’s oral cavity.
Much to everyone’s surprise, the culprit turned out to be a tiny splinter of bone that had become detached from the healthy bone structure in Thorpedo Anna’s jaw. This foreign body was likely the source of the persistent irritation and discomfort the filly had been experiencing.
A Standing Procedure and a Cooperative Patient
In a testament to Thorpedo Anna’s remarkable strength and agreeable nature, the surgical procedure to remove the offending bone fragment was performed with the filly standing, rather than under general anesthesia. This approach not only minimized the risks associated with putting a horse under but also spoke volumes about the trust and bond between Thorpedo Anna and her caregivers.
Thorpedo Anna’s strength and cooperative nature were remarkable throughout this process.
Ken McPeek, Thorpedo Anna’s trainer
McPeek, who has been overseeing Thorpedo Anna’s care and training, expressed his admiration for the filly’s resilience and temperament during this challenging time. He remained cautiously optimistic that, with the offending bone fragment now removed, the issue would no longer impede Thorpedo Anna’s comfort or performance.
The Road to Recovery and Future Plans
With the successful completion of the dental surgery, Thorpedo Anna is now on the path to recovery. Her connections have outlined a tentative plan for her return to training, with the aim of having her rejoin McPeek’s stable at Fair Grounds in New Orleans by January.
This timeline allows for ample healing and recuperation, ensuring that Thorpedo Anna is in peak condition before resuming her preparation for the 2025 racing season. Her team remains confident that this minor setback will not derail her long-term prospects or diminish her chances of securing Horse of the Year and champion 3-year-old filly honors at the upcoming Eclipse Awards.
A Season to Remember
Despite this unexpected hurdle, it is impossible to overlook Thorpedo Anna’s incredible achievements throughout the 2024 racing season. Her six victories in seven starts, including triumphs in the:
- Kentucky Oaks
- Acorn Stakes
- Coaching Club American Oaks
- Cotillion Stakes
- Breeders’ Cup Distaff
These wins have solidified her position as the leading contender for the sport’s most prestigious year-end awards. Even her sole defeat, a hard-fought second-place finish against male rivals in the Travers Stakes at Saratoga, served to highlight her tenacity and competitive spirit.
An Inspiration and a Champion
As Thorpedo Anna embarks on her journey to recovery and prepares for the challenges that lie ahead, her story serves as an inspiration to fans and competitors alike. Her unwavering spirit, coupled with the dedication and expertise of her team, exemplifies the very best of the Thoroughbred racing world.
With the support of her connections and the countless fans who have been captivated by her remarkable performances, Thorpedo Anna is poised to overcome this temporary setback and continue her reign as one of the most exceptional fillies of her generation. As the racing community eagerly awaits her return to the track, there is no doubt that Thorpedo Anna’s star will continue to shine brightly, illuminating the path to greatness and cementing her place in the annals of racing history.
Much to everyone’s surprise, the culprit turned out to be a tiny splinter of bone that had become detached from the healthy bone structure in Thorpedo Anna’s jaw. This foreign body was likely the source of the persistent irritation and discomfort the filly had been experiencing.
A Standing Procedure and a Cooperative Patient
In a testament to Thorpedo Anna’s remarkable strength and agreeable nature, the surgical procedure to remove the offending bone fragment was performed with the filly standing, rather than under general anesthesia. This approach not only minimized the risks associated with putting a horse under but also spoke volumes about the trust and bond between Thorpedo Anna and her caregivers.
Thorpedo Anna’s strength and cooperative nature were remarkable throughout this process.
Ken McPeek, Thorpedo Anna’s trainer
McPeek, who has been overseeing Thorpedo Anna’s care and training, expressed his admiration for the filly’s resilience and temperament during this challenging time. He remained cautiously optimistic that, with the offending bone fragment now removed, the issue would no longer impede Thorpedo Anna’s comfort or performance.
The Road to Recovery and Future Plans
With the successful completion of the dental surgery, Thorpedo Anna is now on the path to recovery. Her connections have outlined a tentative plan for her return to training, with the aim of having her rejoin McPeek’s stable at Fair Grounds in New Orleans by January.
This timeline allows for ample healing and recuperation, ensuring that Thorpedo Anna is in peak condition before resuming her preparation for the 2025 racing season. Her team remains confident that this minor setback will not derail her long-term prospects or diminish her chances of securing Horse of the Year and champion 3-year-old filly honors at the upcoming Eclipse Awards.
A Season to Remember
Despite this unexpected hurdle, it is impossible to overlook Thorpedo Anna’s incredible achievements throughout the 2024 racing season. Her six victories in seven starts, including triumphs in the:
- Kentucky Oaks
- Acorn Stakes
- Coaching Club American Oaks
- Cotillion Stakes
- Breeders’ Cup Distaff
These wins have solidified her position as the leading contender for the sport’s most prestigious year-end awards. Even her sole defeat, a hard-fought second-place finish against male rivals in the Travers Stakes at Saratoga, served to highlight her tenacity and competitive spirit.
An Inspiration and a Champion
As Thorpedo Anna embarks on her journey to recovery and prepares for the challenges that lie ahead, her story serves as an inspiration to fans and competitors alike. Her unwavering spirit, coupled with the dedication and expertise of her team, exemplifies the very best of the Thoroughbred racing world.
With the support of her connections and the countless fans who have been captivated by her remarkable performances, Thorpedo Anna is poised to overcome this temporary setback and continue her reign as one of the most exceptional fillies of her generation. As the racing community eagerly awaits her return to the track, there is no doubt that Thorpedo Anna’s star will continue to shine brightly, illuminating the path to greatness and cementing her place in the annals of racing history.
