RaceHorseHeroes

jejquade · Posted: Sat Feb 16, 2008 5:41 pm Post subject: Val Royal

From Racingpost

by Nancy Sexton

VAL ROYAL, sire of last season's 2,000Guineas winner Cockney Rebel, has had to be operated on after suffering an acute attack of colic. The 12-year-old son of Royal Academy had to be taken to the Greenwood Ellis and Partners veterinary hospital on Monday but following a successful surgery, was able to return to the National Stud the following day.

According to the National Stud, the stallion is recovering well. However, he is unlikely to be able to resume covering duties until April.

The news is will be a blow for the National Stud, which has stood Val Royal for the past two seasons. During that time, the Breeders' Cup Mile winner has developed into a flagship stallion for the stud, siring performers such as dual Guineas hero Cockney Rebel, who now stands alongside his sire, and the Grade 1-placed Valbenny. Val Royal, who served the past southern hemisphere season at Haras La Mission in Argentina, stands for £10,000.