Camelot, three-time classic winner, has surgery for colic

Camelot, the winner of three classic races who finished seventh on Oct. 7 in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, underwent colic surgery Thursday night.

Camelot's owners, Coolmore, revealed Camelot's circumstances Thursday on Twitter. Camelot "was admitted to Fethard Veterinary Hospital this evening and underwent exploratory colic surgery," Coolmore's tweet said. "Obviously it's still very early days, but a further bulletin will be released in the morning."

Camelot, who trainer Aidan O'Brien has called the best horse he has ever trained, won the first five starts of his career, capturing the English 2000 Guineas, the Epsom Derby, and the Irish Derby in his first three races this year. Encke foiled Camelot's bid at an historic English Triple Crown in the St. Leger Stakes, and Camelot proved no factor racing over heavy going in the Arc, after which O'Brien announced the colt would return to race at age 4 in 2013.