St Nicholas Abbey ‘on the mend’

Aidan O’Brien’s six-time Group One winner had to be retired after fracturing a pastern on the gallops at Ballydoyle. A few days after surgery, the six-year-old contracted colic, and he had a further setback last week when it was discovered a steel weight-bearing pin in a cannon bone had broken.

“While still having a guarded prognosis, St Nicholas Abbey has had his best week since his initial surgery,” a Coolmore statement revealed.

“Since the pin removal, his weight bearing on the injured leg has improved gradually and he is walking as well as can be expected with a cast.

“St Nicholas Abbey seems more content, lying down several times a night to rest and his appetite is excellent so he is starting to thrive.”