Intense Holiday euthanized after suffering from laminitis
Intense Holiday, a Grade 2 stakes winner who finished 12th in this year’s Kentucky Derby, was euthanized on Thursday, succumbing to a case of laminitis, according to a press release issued late Thursday afternoon by his connections, Starlight Racing.
Intense Holiday, who won the Grade 2 Risen Star Stakes at Fair Grounds in February, suffered a condylar fracture to his right foreleg while working out with Commissioner at Belmont Park on May 25 in preparation for last Saturday’s Belmont Stakes.
Intense Holiday, trained by Todd Pletcher, was transported to Hogan Equine Veterinary Clinic in New Jersey, where on May 26 he underwent surgery for the fracture, which was performed by Dr. Patty Hogan. The prognosis was good for Intense Holiday to recover and be a stallion. His retirement from racing had been announced a few days after the operation.
In the days following surgery to the fracture, Intense Holiday developed laminitis in both forelimbs which became irreversible, according to the press release. He was euthanized at Hogan Equine by Dr. Hogan.
“It’s a tough day for me, our partners, and our team,” stated Jack Wolf, Starlight Racing co-managing partner. “This horse was a fighter and he fought for his life in the same way he battled on the track—with tenacity. It’s a terrible loss for all of us.”
Intense Holiday, a son of Harlan’s Holiday out of the Unbridled’s Song mare Intensify, was purchased by Starlight for $300,000 at the 2012 Keeneland September yearling auction.
Intense Holiday won 2 of 9 starts and earned $551,900. In addition to winning the Risen Star, Intense Holiday finished second in the Grade 2 Louisiana Derby and third in the Grade 2 Holy Bull.