Cambridge Stud suffered a devastating blow on Saturday morning when freshman sire Roaring Lion was struck down with a bout of colic.

 

The Cartier Champion three-year-old and UK Horse of the Year was admitted to Cambridge Equine Veterinary Hospital early Saturday morning for colic surgery. 

 

Released from quarantine at 6.00am on Saturday, he had spent 15 minutes in his paddock at Cambridge Stud when symptoms of colic were noted.  He was transferred to Cambridge Equine Hospital immediately and underwent emergency surgery. 

 

The swift actions of the expert veterinary team saw a successful surgery undertaken and by mid-afternoon Roaring Lion was in recovery, however the attack has necessitated the withdrawal of his service at Cambridge Stud for the 2019 breeding season.

 

“We want to act in the best interests of Sheikh Fahad and our shareholders,” said Cambridge Stud CEO, Henry Plumptre.  

 

“Following major surgery, we feel it is appropriate to withdraw the horse from service with all shareholders being fully refunded.

 

“Our best-case scenario is that Roaring Lion makes a full recovery and can be returned safely to the U.K. 

 

“While everyone at Cambridge Stud is shattered, we feel the obligation to Sheikh Fahad, David Redvers and our shareholders is important. 

 

“It is a massive blow to lose Roaring Lion like this, but his ongoing welfare is now our prime concern.”

 

Veterinary advice on Sunday morning suggested that Roaring Lion had made a favourable recovery in the first 24 hours post-surgery with his progress and future prognosis set to be announced by the Stud over the next few days.