LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) – After a uncharacteristically flat performance in Friday’s La Troienne Stakes at Churchill Downs, 2024 Horse of the Year Thorpedo Anna has been taken to Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital for x-rays, trainer Ken McPeek confirmed Saturday morning.
Thorpedo Anna got pinched between horses early but went on to contend near the pace before tiring in the stretch and fading to last, finishing 8 ½ lengths behind the winner.
It was the first time she had finished worst than second in 13 career races and the first time she’d lost to other fillies since November of 2023 at Churchill Downs. It also was her first time racing at the track since her impressive 2024 Kentucky Oaks win that propelled her on to an historic campaign last year.
After the race, McPeek said he wasn’t sure what had happened, but that they’d be taking a thorough look at her.
“Nothing obvious at this time,” he posted to his X account. “We will need to clean her up and go over her tomorrow morning to get some clarity. The bumper cars in the first turn concern me and hopefully she didn’t get injured long term. Obviously, we are disappointed. I will let her fans know if we find anything.”
On Saturday morning, McPeek took back to social media to say that,
“Thorpedo Anna walked well this morning. We are going to X-ray her ankles and knees then send her to [Rood & Riddle] for Dr. Larry Bramlage to examine her. The first turn incident may have thrown her off her game, or maybe the 3-week turnaround wasn’t my best choice. She showed no signs she couldn’t handle that. I’m more critical of myself than anyone. Regardless, she won’t be rushed back soon.”
McPeek later saddled Take Charge Milady, who finished next-to-last in the Kentucky Oaks, again after being brushed by a competitor on the outside into a competitor inside of her. The filly had been recovering from a foot abscess, but McPeek said that wasn’t a factor in her performance.
“Take Charge Milady didn’t handle the muddy (track) at all,” McPeek posted. “Although she won her maiden over it. She left some feed which shows she was tired post-race. Foot not a problem.”
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