“Least He’s Alive”: Saddening Injury Update of Kentucky Derby Runner-Up Horse Saddens Equestrian World

This year has been a wild ride for the equestrian community. The world of horse racing has seen it all, from long-shot winners of the prestigious Kentucky Derby to the tragic deaths of horses at famous racetracks. Despite all the drama and uncertainty, this season has been great because of the talented horses and riders. The Ohio Derby, a Grade 3 event, received almost the same level of attention. The race was a big success, but it was followed by some bad news: Two Phil’s suffered a terrible injury.

The injury report of the runner-up in the 2023 Runner Derby and the winner of the Ohio Derby quickly went viral online. Many horse racing enthusiasts expressed their worries in the thread started by the Daily Racing Form.

That doesn’t look good for the Kentucky Derby runner-up

When Two Phil’s won the 2023 Ohio Derby at Thistledown, he added a significant sum to his career earnings of $1,583,450. According to reports, the horse got off to a slow start but made up a lot of ground and eventually passed Bishops Bay for the lead on the last turn of the race. In the early stages of the stretch, the runner-up from the Kentucky Derby, Two Phil’s, built a two-length lead that he never relinquished en route to a comfortable 5 3/4-length victory. The horse’s victory against Bishops Bay, who finished second, astonished everyone watching the race.

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Despite winning the Ohio Derby, the three-year-old thoroughbred American horse had to be taken off with an ankle injury. Two Phil’s is trained by Larry Rivelli, and according to the trainer, on Sunday the horse was sent to the Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital for treatment. The horse will be evaluated further, and surgery is likely to be performed by Dr. Larry Bramlage, according to new information. According to the Daily Racing Form’s report, the trainer confirmed the devastating news, adding, “It probably puts him out for the rest of the year.”

This is certainly not good news for the horse’s great career, and additional developments from the hospital where it is being treated are yet to come. The equestrian community’s social media messages expressed alarm as the news spread like wildfire.

The concerns shared by the equestrian community

The Daily Racing Form updated its Facebook page shortly after the trainer gave the injury news. The horse racing community rushed to the comments area to express their worry for the wounded Ohio Derby winner after reading this news.

There have been a lot of equine fatalities surrounding the Kentucky Derby, as this comment read, “Least he’s alive.” Two Phil’s is a stunning horse and has delivered magnificent performances this year, as this comment read, “Come the end of the year……I hope this horse gets some mention as one of the better 3 year olds of this group. He was tenacious in his Derby second, won his stakes races with authority. He was always the horse I thought was the most promising for the Derby, well before Forte got scratched.”

Further concerning comments read, “I’m very grateful it wasn’t catastrophic like others are. Heal well Ohio Derby Winner!” Another user pointed out the stunning career of the horse; as they say, “Yet he still won the Ohio. Fighting spirit that would not be denied. Get him healthy and back in training. This steed was meant to cross the finish line. I see big races in his career.”

More details will emerge soon, but for the time being, the horse is still recovering at the equestrian hospital.

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