Stonestreet Farm's champion mare Rachel Alexandra underwent surgery at Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital on Thursday afternoon to drain an abscess discovered in the morning.

The 2009 Horse of the Year continues to recover from abdominal surgery performed Feb. 13 as a result of foaling complications.

"As part of the continuous evaluation and monitoring that Rachel is receiving at Rood and Riddle, an abscess adjacent to her reproductive tract and rectum was found this morning," said Dr. Brett Woodie in a statement released by Stonestreet.

The abscess was drained successfully via a standing surgical procedure, throughout which Rachel Alexandra's vital signs remained normal. She was bright and alert with a good appetite after the surgery.

Herald-Leader Staff Report