Stress fracture sidelines Winslow Homer

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. - Trainer Anthony Dutrow confirmed Tuesday that Winslow Homer has suffered a stress fracture in his cannon bone that will keep him sidelined through the Triple Crown season. Winslow Homer was considered among the leading Kentucky Derby prospects following his victory in the Grade 3 Holy Bull Stakes at Gulfstream Park on Jan. 23.

"After the race he appeared excellent, but I began noticing sensitivity in his right shin on Sunday," said Dutrow, who trains Winslow Homer for Rick Porter's Fox Hill Farm. "We jogged him Monday, after which it was a little more pronounced, so we performed X-rays, which confirmed the stress fracture."

Dutrow said Winslow Homer will leave for Rood and Riddle Clinic in Lexington, Ky., on Friday where he'll have surgery performed by Dr. Larry Bramlage.

"He'll be without a saddle for 60-90 days," said Dutrow. "Dr. Bramlage said to expect a full recovery, but obviously this will force us to miss the spring races. Naturally I'm disappointed, but I've been doing this too long to let it bother me. I got caught out in the rain yesterday, we got rained on, but the sun is shining today and I'm looking forward to Winslow Homer's return later this year."