Rachel Alexandra in serious condition

— Rachel Alexandra is in serious condition while recovering from surgery related to complications involving the birth of her filly.

The 2009 Horse of the Year had surgery Wednesday to repair an area of bruising in her small colon, which was injured during foaling, according to Stonestreet Farm.

“We are solely focused on making sure Rachel is as comfortable as possible,” owner Barbara Banke said. “She is showing the same strength and courage now that she demonstrated on the track.”

Doctors at Rood and Riddle Equine Clinic said a full prognosis for Rachel Alexandra can’t be determined.

Rachel Alexandra’s filly by Bernardini was born Tuesday. She is healthy and has returned to Stonestreet Farm where she will be tended by a nurse mare.

Rachel Alexandra won the Martha Washington Stakes and the Fantasy Stakes in 2009 at Oaklawn Park in Hot Springs. That same year, she became the first filly to win the Preakness Stakes in 85 years when she held off a late charge by Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird.

Sports, Pages 24 on 02/14/2013

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