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Zayat issues encouraging update on Paynter

Paynter is showing great courage and resilience in the race of his life (Ryan Denver/Equi-Photo) Grade 1 Haskell Invitational hero Paynter appears to be getting the upper hand in his battle against laminitis, owner Ahmed Zayat reported in an encouraging series of tweets on Monday. The star three-year-old has been hospitalized since August 26, initially with a critical case of colitis, followed by the complication of laminitis, but he has been making a remarkable recovery. "We continue to be blessed by a special horse; he continues to defy the odds," Zayat announced. "We have a happy horse today, no fever, all blood work is good. He is comfortable stable and eating well. "His protein level is good all in all looks like Paynter continues to turn the corner and winning his battle with his colitis. "On his fight with his fight with his laminitis, let me explain more in detail.

"Paynter has three of his legs with casts to support his feet. He has no had any rotation at any point since the start of his illness in any of his feet.

"None of them have shown any sinking ever since the beginning of his diagnosis.

"It is fair to say that we caught a very mild laminitis in the first stages. We have taken today for the first time new sets of X-rays on his three feet since he has been in the casts since last Sunday.

"Dr. Laura (Javsicas) was extremely happy to see that there was no radiological changes from last week.

'In fact there has been much improvement from the way his feet looked before being in the cast.

"So she feels very hopeful and encouraged that if we continue to have comfortable feet, and we feel blessed that this courageous Paynter, not only beaten colitis but he has a very good chance of beating laminitis.

"Miracles can happen; I am very heartened and encouraged that not only Paynter will survive as a stallion, but in 10 days when his casts are off, we can be in for a surprise that we have a chance of seeing him back as a racehorse in 2013."

Zayat, in responding to another Twitter message, clarified that retirement was also an option.

"That's always a possibility," Zayat said. "The colt will always come first -- he will tell us."

Justin Zayat, the owner's son and racing manager, related an extra bit of information Monday afternoon:

"Just got news that Paynter went outside to graze for his first time. Loved it."

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