Aqueduct

Nicky the Vest has surgery for knee chip

David Grening|Apr 08, 2021

Nicky the Vest wins the 2021 Gander Stakes at Aqueduct Racetrack

Adam Coglianese/NYRA Gander winner Nicky the Vest is expected to be sidelined until at least mid-summer.

OZONE PARK, N.Y. – Nicky the Vest, the unbeaten New York-bred 3-year-old, underwent surgery Monday to have a chip removed from a knee and will be out of action until mid- to late summer.

:: Bet horse racing on DRF Bets. Double Your First Deposit Up to $250. Join Now.

Nicky the Vest, a son of Runhappy, won his first two starts, including the Gander Stakes by 11 1/4 lengths. He was pointing to the Grade 2 Wood Memorial on April 3, but was taken out of consideration for the race after trainer Jonathan Thomas didn’t like the way the horse came out of a workout.

Thomas said the surgery was performed by Dr. John Madison of Ocala Equine Hospital.

Thomas said the horse is convalescing at Niall Brennan’s farm in Ocala, Fla., and he expects the horse to be back with him by the first of June.

“It sucks, but it’s the right thing to do,” Thomas said.

DRF Headlines

View All