Race-horse Devil May Care is euthanized – Horse Racing Update
John Greathouse’s multiple Grade 1 winner, Devil May Care, was euthanized on May 4 following her confirmation of suffering from lymphosarcoma or lymph tissue cancer by veterinarian Johanna Reimer.
Johanna Reimer is a specialist in internal medicine and cardiology with Rood and Riddle in Lexington.
The filly was hospitalised last October in Florida and then relocated to Greathouse family’s Glencrest Farm in Midway. At that time she was struggling with complications resulting from a non-contagious form of hepatitis. Her condition was monitored by veterinarians.
Her condition also eluded her from participating in the Breeder’s Cup Ladies’ Classic at Churchill Downs. Since then the filly had been taking antibiotics and steroids on a regular basis which raised her liver enzyme count.
Greathouse also reported that during the months she returned from Florida she did put on some weight, but her coat began to deteriorate. Veterinarians at Rood and Riddle did some more tests on the filly which led to conformation of her having cancer.
John spoke on the filly’s death by saying, “We went through a lot to keep her alive, and we were willing to walk that road with her, but it was a battle she was never going to win.”
An emotional Greathouse expressed his deep respect for the filly and paid tribute to her in the following words, “To all who have followed and been a part of Devil May Care’s racing life and her fight for life, she and I wish to thank and applaud all of
you.”
Greathouse also attached a letter in the honour of the diseased filly for her fans and supporters.
Devil May Care was purchased for $110,000 at the 2008 Keeneland September yearling sale by John Greathouse and during her life she had earned $724,000. Devil May Care’s prominent victories include Mother Goose Stakes (2010), BetFair TVG Coaching Club American
Oaks (2010), Frizette Stakes (2009) and the Bonnie Miss Stakes (2010). She was out of the Red Ransom mare Kelli’s Ransom.
She won five of her nine starts which were all made for the Glencrest Farm. She received her training services from hall of Fame trainer, Todd Pletcher.
Devil May Care started her 2010 campaign with a fifth place in the grade 3 Silverbulletday. The race was held at the Fair Grounds. She was a starter in the 136th running of the Kentucky Derby as well where she finished tenth. Devil May Care was
bred in Kentucky by Diamond A Racing Corporation. She shares lineage with United Arab Emirates Champion and grade 2 winner Regal Ransom, trained by Todd Pletcher.
The Greathouse’s Glencrest Farm said that the filly will undergo an autopsy and be cremated afterwards. Had she lived and not raced, her owners would have made her join her broodmare band.
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