Injured filly Princess Dorian euthanized after developing laminitis

DEL MAR, Calif. – The roller-coaster saga of Princess Dorian, which began with her serious leg fracture on Nov. 10 at Del Mar but looked promising in the early days following her surgery on Nov. 11, took a sudden and tragic turn early Monday when she developed acute laminitis in both her hind limbs, necessitating her being humanely euthanized, according to her trainer and co-owner, Andrew Lerner.

“Rough, rough morning,” said Lerner, who on Sunday had won his first Del Mar stakes with Queen Bee to You in the Betty Grable. “We tried the best we could.”

Princess Dorian had her surgery at the San Luis Rey Equine hospital, adjacent to the San Luis Rey Downs training center, and that is where she was recuperating following the surgery and where she was euthanized. Laminitis is often a concern with serious fractures, as the limbs that are not initially impacted can develop issues owing to the increased weight-bearing loads required.

“The vets said it came out of left field,” Lerner said. “She became very uncomfortable behind. It happened so quickly. It took everyone by surprise, owing to the way she had been doing. We had said all along that we wouldn’t let her suffer.”

Lerner owned Princess Dorian with Erik Johnson, a defenseman with the Colorado Avalanche of the National Hockey League. They had consulted veterinarians after the injury and prior to the surgery, and were encouraged that Princess Dorian could be saved, so they went ahead with the surgery, mindful that it was, as Lerner again cautioned Sunday, “a long, long road.”

Johnson said Princess Dorian's condition "rapidly deteriorated."

"The humane thing to do was euthanize her," he said Monday. "My heart breaks for her and everyone who loved her. I commend the on-site vets at Del Mar, the team at San Luis Rey Equine hospital, and trainer Andrew Lerner for their terrific care for her. If there was anything more to be done for her, I would have done it. I loved Princess Dorian and will miss her greatly,"

Princess Dorian, a 5-year-old mare by Idiot Proof, was injured in an $8,000 claiming race. She won four times in 23 starts during her career.

“The Del Mar family offers our condolences to Princess Dorian and her connections,” Tom Robbins, executive vice president of racing at Del Mar, said Monday. “We recognize and appreciate that owner Erik Johnson, trainer Andrew Lerner, their staff and veterinary teams tried diligently to do what was best for their horse.”