First Samurai, Laity sidelined

First Samurai has been sidelined with cracked ribs  (Lauren Pomeroy/Horsephotos.com)

Multiple Grade 1 winner FIRST SAMURAI (Giant's Causeway) was diagnosed with

cracked ribs and will be sidelined for an indefinite amount of time. The injury

is not career threatening, but will require rest over the next few weeks to

allow the ribs to mend. The injury was discovered during an ultrasound

examination on Wednesday at Hagyard-Davidson-McGee Equine Clinic near Lexington,

Kentucky.

Trainer Frank Brothers decided to take First Samurai to the clinic after the

colt appeared to be in some discomfort when he came off the track following a

routine gallop, and later displayed what Brothers described as "tightness" in

the colt's rib area while he was standing in his stall.

Dr. Robert Hunt examined the colt and made the diagnosis. Brothers said both

he and Hunt believe the injury could help explain First Samurai's disappointing

fifth-place effort in the Blue Grass S. (G1) at Keeneland on April 15. The colt

finished more than 30 lengths behind the victorious Sinister Minister (Old

Trieste) in the nine-furlong race.

"According to Dr. Hunt, it had to have happened in the starting gate or

leaving the gate in the Blue Grass," Brothers said. "Nothing happened to him at

the barn."