Former Coolmore sire Oratorio has laminitis

One-time Coolmore stallion Oratorio is being treated for laminitis and his bookings for the rest of the southern hemisphere covering season have been cancelled.

"It is a horrible experience for all of us at the farm, to see him in pain," said Pippa Mickleburgh, general manager of Avontuur Thoroughbred Farm near Cape Town where the three-time Group 1 winner stands.

"Especially as his progeny are starting to show their class on a regular basis in South Africa, with another wonderful win for him with Orakal at Durbanville on Wednesday.

"We hope to have him back to full strength by next year at the latest and, as he is reacting so well to the medical regime at the moment, we could even hope for an earlier recovery with a bit of luck. He is a really relaxed horse with a laid back personality so he is an easy patient."

Oratorio, winner of the 2005 Coral-Eclipse and Irish Champion Stakes for Aidan O'Brien as well as the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere as a juvenile, stood in Ireland and Australia for Coolmore and is the sire of seven Group 1 winners. The son of Danehill was purchased by Avontuur in 2013.

Some of his mares are being diverted to the stud's other stallion Var, who was trained by Clive Brittain to win the Prix de l’Abbaye in 2004.

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