Paynter holding steady in recovery on Thursday

Paynter, the hospitalized winner of the 2012 Haskell, appeared to be holding steady Thursday as he continues treatment for colitis and its complication, laminitis.

Ahmed Zayat, the 3-year-old Awesome Again colt’s owner, tweeted Thursday morning that “Paynter was comfortable overnight and has been eating well. He continues to pass soft formed manure. He is walking very comfortably in the stall. He continues to have low protein levels but his edema has improved dramatically.”

Paynter has been at the Upstate Equine Medical Center in Schuylerville, N.Y., since Aug. 26. He initially was hospitalized for the colitis but showed signs of laminitis in three legs earlier this week, prompting veterinarians to fit him with casts to support his feet.

“On a personal basis, I’ve heard from numerous people that it is impossible to beat laminitis particularly while fighting colitis!” Zayat tweeted. “It’s a lethal combination but I have hope because I know that Paynter is special and will get through this.”