NICKY HENDERSON has provided a cautiously optimistic update on legendary racehorse Altior.
The retired 13-year-old had to undergo emergency surgery on Sunday after suffering a life-threatening bout of colic.
Altior underwent emergency surgery on SundaySportsfile – Subscription
He has been spending his retirement with ITV presenter Mick FitzgeraldJamie McPhilimey
He had to have a large part of his intestine removed by vets during the operation as they fought to save his life.
The picture looked pretty bleak for the fan favourite, who has spent the last two years being looked after by ITV broadcaster Mick Fitzgerald and his wife, Chloe.
But there have been one or two signs of improvement – though he is not out of the woods yet.
Henderson wrote in his Unibet blog: “I would like to say a big ‘thank you’ from all of us and everyone at the surgery who have sent so many kind messages about Altior.
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“We are very touched and I only wish Altior could read. It means a lot.
“I’d also like to give special mention to Kate McGovern who heads up the team in charge of Altior at Donnington Grove, and while he is still in Intensive Care, they are doing the most wonderful job and we cannot thank them enough.
“I am pleased to report this morning that Altior had a good night and is more comfortable than he has been so far.
“There is still a very long way to go and the next stage is try and wean him off the artificial feeding system towards more natural, normal feed which will test his internal organs and if they can cope.
“It will be a big change and the question, to put it very simply, will be if his gut will still work, so it’s another big day with plenty of risks involved; with each step comes another big test.
“Mick and Chloe saw him last night and said he was definitely much brighter and perkier in himself, which is a good sign.
What is colic?
Colic is a term used to describe tummy pain in a horse, usually caused by an issue with their intestines.
Symptoms can show in many forms and the illness can be mild or life-threatening.
Colic is unpredictable and horses are naturally prone to it.
“I was unable to visit yesterday but will be seeing him later today and Pat Pugh has barely left his side.
“A lot of people say he was a fighter on course and he’s now having to prove it off it as well, but we’re keeping fingers and toes crossed that he pulls through and we’ll keep everyone posted with any further news.”
Racing fans are certainly praying the former champion can pull through.
He had a huge fanbase, thanks mainly to his heroics at the Cheltenham Festival where he was a four-time winner, while he won 21 of his 26 races for a staggering £1.3million in career earnings.
His last win was a Grade 2 Chase at Newbury in February 2020 and he was retired the following year.
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