Gabriel Charles sidelined by emergency colic surgery

Gabriel Charles, who recovered from a bowed tendon to win the Eddie Read (G1) last out, has suffered another round of misfortune. The Paulick Report broke the bad news Saturday evening: the Arlington Million (G1) pre-entrant was stricken by colic and had to undergo emergency surgery.

Trainer Jeff Mullins told the Paulick Report's Natalie Voss that his turf star wasn't "out of the woods" yet, with the next 36 hours the decisive phase of his ordeal. Should he pull through without compications, Gabriel Charles will need time to regain his strength.

Accordingly, Mullins wouldn't speculate on any timetable for a return to training.

Gabriel Charles became such a great story with his brilliant, 3 3/4-length victory in the Eddie Read. The son of Street Hero was a stakes winner at both two and three, taking the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint Preview and the Del Mar Derby (G2), before the tendon injury threatened his career. His connections' patience paid off, and the five-year-old looked poised for a banner season.

Photo by Benoit.