Rachel Alexandra remains in serious condition

Rachel Alexandra's condition remained serious at Rood & Riddle Equine

Hospital on Friday following surgery to repair a section of her small colon. The

attending veterinarians on her case, Dr. Bonnie Barr and Dr. Brett Woodie, are

pleased with her progress, with Dr. Barr calling her a "strong mare." Her vital

signs remain normal and she was brighter, more alert and demonstrating an

improved attitude on Friday afternoon.

"She looks better today," owner Barbara Banke said. "Rachel is a determined

fighter. It makes me feel better that she was happy to have a mint. I want to

thank all her fans for their incredible devotion to Rachel. Your thoughts mean

so much right now."

Rachel's foal continues to do well. She has adjusted well to her nurse mare

and enjoyed paddock turnout on Friday at Stonestreet.

Rachel Alexandra, the 2009 Horse of the Year, was admitted into Rood & Riddle

Equine Hospital on Wednesday, one day after delivering a 140-pound Bernardini

filly. She underwent exploratory abdominal surgery to determine the cause of

excess fluid in her abdominal cavity denoting an infection. A damaged section of

her small colon was then repaired in a long and technically demanding procedure.

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