Ben Maher and Jane Clark have released an official statement on Facebook today regarding the injury of their top international mount Urico at the CSIO5* Nations Cup event in La Baule, France. The statement explains that Urico, the 13 year old gelding owned by Jane Clark, sustained a severe fracture to the pastern bone. Urico underwent surgery at the Nantes Veterinary clinic on Sunday, May 18th and is successfully recovering at the same veterinary clinic. Urico will travel to Ben Maher’s stables in England once the team determine he is fit to travel and there he will remain until he has recovered 100%.
Jane Clarke has decided that Urico will enjoy his early retirement in Florida, at her stables in Wellington. Known as a favorite amongst Jane and her team, this positive outcome of an unfortunate and unexpected turn in Urico’s international career, is clearly appreciated and Jane will welcome the talented mount with open arms. We wish Urico a full and successful recovery and look forward to seeing the beautiful bay in happy retirement in the green pastures of Wellington, Florida.
Official statement:
“Firstly, we would like to thank the entire team at Nantes Veterinary Clinic for their expertise and diligent work these past few days. A special thank you to the surgeon and the team of veterinarians and veterinary students on call. In addition, we would like to thank CSIO La Baule for their conscientiousness and thorough assistance. The organisation and staff at CSIO La Baule handled the situation very well and we received the best treatment and care.
We would also like thank Britain’s team vet; Bobby McEwen.
Urico has safely recovered from his 4-hour surgery that took place on Sunday evening. The veterinary surgeon at Nantes Veterinary Clinic inserted 5 screws into his pastern. When Urico arrived at the veterinary clinic, the surgeon and experienced veterinary team assessed that Urico had sustained a severe stress fracture in the pastern bone.
Around 1:00 am in Nantes, France, Urico recovered well from his surgery with a cast. Urico is making great progress and shows no signs of a delayed recovery. We hope that his recovery goes well so that Urico can return to England next week. Urico will remain in England until he is 100% recovered from the surgery. Following this, Urico will make the trip to the United States, traveling to Jane’s farm in Wellington, Florida where he will remain in permanent retirement.
Although we may be disappointed and saddened by this unfortunate incident, we are pleased that Urico will be able to enjoy a healthy and happy retirement with his owner Jane Clark. Urico has enjoyed a strong and successful career, which includes representing Team USA at the 2010 World Equestrian Games in Kentucky as well as finishing 6th in the 2010 FEI World Cup Finals in Geneva, Switzerland.
This past year, Ben Maher and Urico won the $150,000 CSIO4* Grand Prix presented by Wellington Equestrian Realty at the 2014 Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, Florida. The pair enjoyed a competitive winter season in Wellington, winning the $125,000 CSI3* Horseware Ireland Grand Prix and the $125,000 Ruby et Violette Challenge Cup Round 5. Last year, the pair also won the Vienna Masters title at the Global Champions Tour event in Austria. In addition, Ben Maher and Urico won the 2013 $82,000 Adequan Grand Prix in Wellington, Florida.
Urico has been an unbelievable horse for Jane over the years. The 13-year-old gelding has always been a barn favourite. We would like to thank again everyone involved in Urico’s care and recovery over the last few days. We would also like to thank the fans for their concern and well wishes. We have received a tremendous amount of supportive messages and best wishes over the last few days. Your thoughts and prayers have been very much appreciated.”
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