The Player resting comfortably two days after surgery

The Player, the 5-year-old horse who suffered fractured sesamoids Saturday in the New Orleans Handicap at Fair Grounds, will remain under observation at the Louisiana State University Equine Medical Facility in Baton Rouge, La., for at least three weeks after undergoing successful surgery Monday.

Trainer Buff Bradley said Wednesday morning that The Player had been resting comfortably in the 36 hours that transpired since a surgical team led by Dr. Charles McCauley worked on his right front leg for more than seven hours into Monday evening. A plate and 16 screws were inserted to stabilize the leg.

“I’m always optimistic, but I know how these things can turn bad quickly,” said Bradley, who has been commuting to and from his training base at Fair Grounds in New Orleans to be with The Player as much as possible. “So I’m trying to hold back. Dr. McCauley said he needs the horse to stay here at least another three weeks before we can think about moving him, and that’s if everything goes perfect.”

The Player set the pace in the 1 1/8-mile New Orleans Handicap before going wrong leaving the final turn and being pulled up by jockey Calvin Borel. It was a traumatic end to an outstanding career in which The Player won 5 of 14 starts and $452,485 for Bradley and partner Carl Durst. The biggest wins for the homebred son of Street Hero came in the Grade 2 Fayette at Keeneland in October and the Grade 3 Mineshaft at Fair Grounds in February.

Bradley said The Player is showing no signs of pain or discomfort in the aftermath of the surgery and that the horse is occasionally getting up and bearing weight on all four limbs for sustained periods. The Player has been fitted with a special shoe and pad on his left front foot to decrease the chances of developing laminitis, which along with infection are the primary concerns after surgery.

“Dr. McCauley said he’s been a very good patient,” said Bradley. “That’s what we’ve got to hope for, that he keeps it up. He’s not pawing the ground or showing any negative signs. He does take care of himself really well. He’s a smart animal.”

Bradley said during his Wednesday visit with The Player: “He looks brighter today and he’s standing squarely on all four. Him standing squarely on his bad leg makes me feel better. I am hopeful.”

Bradley said he has been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support for The Player.

“We’ve been very touched by all the texts, phone calls, and Facebook posts,” he said. “Just all the support from not only our friends, but a lot of our racetrack family. It’s helped a bunch.”