Lava Man improving day after colic procedure

DEL MAR, Calif. – Lava Man, the Hall of Fame gelding turned stable pony, showed improvement on Wednesday, a day after undergoing a colic operation, trainer Doug O’Neill said.

Lava Man is recovering at a San Diego-area equine clinic.

“He’s doing well,” O’Neill said. “The first 24 to 48 hours is very crucial. He’s standing comfortably and they’re monitoring everything.

“He’s going after his food and that’s a good sign.”

Lava Man underwent a procedure to correct a colon displacement, O’Neill said on Tuesday. Lava Man is expected to be rested “for a few months” when he is released from the clinic, the trainer said on Wednesday.

A 17-year-old, Lava Man won 17 of 47 starts, seven Grade 1 races, and earned $5,268,706. He earned $5,170,103 for owners Steve, Tracy, and David Kenly and Jason Wood after being claimed for $50,000 in 2004. He raced until December 2009 and won 13 stakes in his career.

Lava Man won three consecutive runnings of the Hollywood Gold Cup from 2005-07.