St. Nicholas Abbey loses fight for life

Coolmore Stud has announced the death of Tipperary horse St Nicholas Abbey.

The six-time Group One Winner had to be put down today after suffering from a bout of colic.

O'Brien's star had to be retired several months ago after suffering a leg injury on the gallops at Ballydoyle when being prepared for the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes.

A statement released by Coolmore states “Regretfully St Nicholas Abbey has lost his brave battle after suffering colic this morning. Surgery revealed a severe strangulating colon torsion that was unviable and he had to be euthanized on humane grounds.

This is extremely unfortunate as St Nicholas Abbey had been in terrific form, the laminitis was resolving very well and the fracture had healed better than expected.

Coolmore would like to thank the surgeons, the international experts and all the staff at Fethard Equine Hospital who gave him such excellent care 24/7. We would also like to thank the multitude of well-wishers for all the cards and messages of support for St Nicholas Abbey. He will be buried in the graveyard here at Coolmore.”