Roaring Lion out of hospital and on road to recovery after emergency surgery

Roaring Lion has left hospital and is making slow and steady progress from emergency colic surgery, although he continues to be in a “fragile” state.

Named Cartier Horse of the Year in 2018 after a campaign which included victories in the Coral-Eclipse and Irish Champion Stakes, Roaring Lion had travelled to New Zealand for the southern hemisphere breeding season, but was forced to undergo two intestinal surgeries in less than a week after leaving quarantine.

The four-year-old, who raced for Qatar Racing before retiring to stud at the end of last season, had been at Cambridge Equine Hospital since July 27, but on Thursday was able to be moved to nearby Cambridge Stud, where his condition continues to be monitored 24 hours a day.

Roaring Lion has been “bright, alert and eating well” since leaving the veterinary surgery. However, he is physically fragile as a result of the surgeries and resulting weight loss, according to the stud.

Henry Plumtre, chief executive of Cambridge Stud, said: “Thanks to two world-class surgeons, Dr Alanna Zantingh and Dr Greg Quinn, and with our own vet Dr Rob Hitchcock assisting, we have managed to save Roaring Lion’s life and he’s on his way to a slow recovery. It has been a complex and challenging environment for everyone involved and we owe a massive debt of gratitude to the veterinary team, who have ensured his survival.

Roaring Lion: winner of four Group 1 racesCredit: JOHN GROSSICK (racingpost.com/photos)

“While he has a long road to travel, the beginnings of a recovery are complete and having him back at Cambridge signals the start of the next stage.”

He added: “Roaring Lion’s demeanour remained calm at all times, which was a major part of his immediate recovery. Our aim now is to slowly repair him back to full health, in order that he can return to the UK and continue his career.”

Get ahead of the game with Get Your Eye In - exclusive Saturday preview content on racingpost.com and the Racing Post mobile app from 2pm on Friday