2-time Grade 1 winner Cave Rock dies after developing laminitis

Two-time Grade 1 winner Cave Rock died Friday after developing laminitis, his trainer Bob Baffert and a veterinarian said in social-media posts Saturday.

The laminitis arose as a complication after surgery July 28 for an inguinal hernia, a condition discovered after he showed colic-like symptoms after morning training, according to Dr. Vince Baker at SLR Equine Hospital in Bonsall, Calif.

"We are deeply saddened by the sudden illness and irreversible medical condition which led to the death of Cave Rock," Baffert said in a post on X, formerly Twitter. "He was a talent at the top of his class and adored by our entire team. Learning of his death yesterday afternoon from the caring team as SLR Equine Hospital was like a gut punch to everyone who cared for this special horse. We are left with the great memories with which he graced us but we will miss him dearly."

Baker said Cave Rock came into the hospital after showing signs of colic while cooling out after training July 28.

"Upon his arrival, with in-depth diagnostics, it was determined that he had a congenital inguinal hernia and the small intestine was lodged into the left side of the scrotum. Cave Rock was taken into surgery immediately.  The surgical procedure required the resection of 18 inches of small intestine. Recovery was routine and went very well until signs of laminitis started on day 6 post-op. Despite very aggressive medical treatments, severe laminitis led to the demise of Cave Rock."

According to the Horse Side Vet Guide, "Inguinal hernia is the most common cause of groin swelling in the young foal. The inguinal canal is the connection between the abdominal cavity, the space surrounding the abdominal organs, and the inside of the pouch of the scrotum."

The 2003 second edition of the Manual of Equine Reproduction explained, "Ruptured inguinal hernias occur most commonly in foals and may be caused by the high abdominal pressure generated during parturition (birthing). Inguinal hernias of adult stallions are generally considered to be acquired, but the underlying cause may be a congenitally enlarged vaginal ring. Herniation has been reported to occur during breeding or exercise, but it has also been identified in stallions being transported and or confined to a stall."

Cave Rock won his debut on Aug. 13, 2022, at Del Mar in gate-to-wire fashion by six lengths over Practical Move, a horse who went on to win the 2023 Santa Anita Derby (G1). Cave Rock won the Del Mar Futurity (G1) and the American Pharoah (G1) in his next two starts, each by 5 1/4 lengths. Off of those wins he was sent off the odds-on favorite in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile at Keeneland, where he finished second behind Forte. That turned out to be his last race.

He was effectively taken off the Kentucky Derby trail after Feb. 28, when he was not transferred to the barn of an eligible trainer. Cave Rock completed some published workouts early in the year. His last was April 2, and he did not race as a 3-year-old.

Cave Rock was by Arrogate out of the Bellamy Road mare Georgie's Angel. He ended his career with a 4: 3-1-0 record and earnings of $748,000.