The 2009 Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra continues to face her recovery from abdominal surgery as a result of foaling complications with the same courage and determination that made her a champion on the track, Stonestreet Farm reported Feb. 20.

The 7-year-old mare’s attending veterinarians at Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital, in Lexington, Ky., completed the course of post-surgery abdominal lavages on Feb. 19 and the two drains placed in her abdomen were removed. Rachel Alexandra underwent emergency surgery Feb. 13 after delivering a healthy Bernardini filly one day before.

Brett Woodie, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVS, and Bonnie Barr, VMD, Dipl. ACVIM, are pleased by the progress of the daughter of Medaglia d’Oro, which has included several short walks a day and an improved appetite this week.

As her diet becomes more normal, Woodie is encouraged that her gastrointestinal function is improving, as well as her ‘feisty’ attitude