Thorpedo Anna has surgery to remove bone splinter in jaw

Thorpedo Anna, the favorite to be voted Horse of the Year, recently underwent minor dental surgery to remove a bone fragment in her jaw. The recent events are not expected to impact the timeline for her return to training following her ongoing post-season vacation.

Thorpedo Anna, who is currently on a break at trainer Kenny McPeek’s Magdalena Farm in Lexington, Ky., had a small sore inside her mouth, the origins of which were unclear; the filly is known for being strong to gallop. Further diagnostics revealed a sequestrum, a small piece of dead bone that has become separated from healthy bone, in her jaw.

“Despite this issue, she showcased her resilience and determination by winning both the Cotillion and the Breeders’ Cup Distaff while unknowingly carrying this injury,” McPeek wrote on his Facebook page Sunday, after initially revealing the procedure during an appearance on the HHH Racing podcast.

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“After the Breeders’ Cup, we noticed a persistent sore in her mouth that didn’t heal during her time off,” McPeek wrote. “Further investigation led to the discovery of a small splinter of bone causing the problem. The procedure to remove it was done standing, and we’re optimistic it will no longer be an issue for her. Thorpedo Anna’s strength and cooperative nature were remarkable throughout this process.”

In his Facebook post, McPeek shared video of the procedure in Thorpedo Anna’s stall. The filly stands sedated, with her chin propped on a dental pedestal, as the medical team, guided by ultrasound, navigates to and removes the tiny bone segment. The procedure would be the equivalent of an outpatient procedure in human medicine, and McPeek said the filly was back in her paddock later that same day.

Thorpedo Anna will remain at Magdalena Farm through the end of the month before joining McPeek’s winter string at Fair Grounds to resume training. The Grade 1, $1.25 million Apple Blossom Handicap on April 12 at Oaklawn Park has been mentioned as a major early-season target, with preps to be determined.

Thorpedo Anna, campaigned by the McPeek's Magdalena Racing in partnership with Brookdale Racing, Mark Edwards, and breeder Judy Hicks, has won eight of 10 career starts overall while never finishing worse than second. In 2024, she won six of seven outings, with Grade 1 victories in the Kentucky Oaks, Acorn Stakes, Coaching Club American Oaks, Cotillion Stakes, and Breeders’ Cup Distaff. Her only loss came when second by a head to champion Fierceness while facing males in the Grade 1 Travers Stakes.

Thorpedo Anna is the favorite to be voted Horse of the Year, as well as champion 3-year-old filly. Eclipse award voting concludes in early January, and the awards ceremony takes place Jan. 23.

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