Monarchos back home at Nuckols Farm after colic surgery

LEXINGTON, Ky. – Monarchos, the 2001 Kentucky Derby winner and sire of champion sprinter Informed Decision, returned home Saturday to Nuckols Farm in Midway, Ky.

The 14-year-old Maria’s Mon horse has been at Hagyard Equine Medical Institute in Lexington since July 31, when he underwent emergency colic surgery.

Nuckols farm owner Charles Nuckols II said the gray stallion is on a “strict diet” and the farm staff is closely monitoring his water intake. “We built a pen around the back door of his stall and mowed the grass very low,” Nuckols said. “This way he can enjoy the outdoors but not overdo it.”

Raced by John and Debby Oxley, Monarchos won the 2001 Derby in the race’s second-fastest time of 1:59.97. He stood at Nuckols Farm this year for an advertised fee of $4,000.