Lost in the Fog's cancer was worse than thought

Trainer Greg Gilchrist confirmed Thursday that a necropsy performed on Eclipse Award sprint champion Lost in the Fog indicated the cancer had been growing in the colt for some time and was present during his final victory, which came June 3 in the Grade 3 Aristides at Churchill Downs.

"That may have to be the most amazing race of all time," Gilchrist said on Thursday.

The results of the necropsy, reported on the Blood-Horse website, showed that one inoperable lymphoma ran virtually the length of Lost in the Fog's spine and compromised arteries, his kidneys, and other organs.

"It went all the way from his pelvis to invade and erode his diaphragm and chest cavity," Dr. David Wilson told the Blood-Horse. Wilson is director of the large-animal clinic at the University of California at Davis, where the necropsy was performed. "It also involved his arteries, kidneys, and intestinal organs. It actually invaded one kidney and compressed both.

"It came right up against his aorta. He had experienced swelling in his hind legs and that was no doubt caused by the tumors pressing on blood vessels."

The diagnosis was originally a tumor on his spleen, and then part of the tumor under his spine was discovered.

Owner Harry Aleo said arrangements have been made for the colt's ashes to be buried at Golden Gate Fields, where he was stabled.l