Lawyer Ron cleared to return to training

Lawyer Ron, the millionaire colt who underwent minor surgery following a 12th-place finish in the May 6 Kentucky Derby, returned Friday morning to the Churchill Downs barn of Bob Holthus after being turned out for several weeks and is scheduled to return to light training Monday or Tuesday, said Holthus.

Lawyer Ron was given a clean bill of health Tuesday by noted veterinarian Larry Bramlage, who removed a small chip from Lawyer Ron's right hind ankle nearly two weeks after the Derby. After spending about two weeks at Churchill, Lawyer Ron was turned out for several weeks on the grounds of his majority owner, Stonewall Farm, located near Lexington.

"We brought him in this morning and had him shod," Holthus said Friday. "He'll go around the shed row under tack the next couple mornings, then we'll bring him back to the track for some light jogging early in the week."

Lawyer Ron won six straight races leading up to the Derby, including a sweep of the Oaklawn Park series of races for 3-year-olds. Holthus said he has not decided on Lawyer Ron's comeback race, but did mention the Super Derby or the Kentucky Cup Classic, both in September, as worthy goals.

"I'd like to get him back ready to run by the first of September," he said.