Champion mare Sunline battles killer illness

Former champion galloper Sunline, New Zealand's most valuable thoroughbred broodmare and the country's best galloper in modern times, is battling for her life.

The dual Horse of the Year, who won more than $13 million on the racetrack, is badly lame in both front legs with the debilitating foot disease known as laminitis.

Specialist vets took the drastic step of cutting tendons in both her forelegs three weeks ago to try to ease the lameness.

And, although the mare's former co- trainer Stephen McKee says Sunline has responded to the operation, he says she will have to continue to improve.

McKee said reports that his father, Trevor, who owns the 13-year-old Sunline, was having to decide whether to put the mare down were exaggerated - but the decision might have to be made if she did not improve.

"You can be assured she won't be left suffering, but we're not at that stage yet. She's a lot more mobile than she was before surgery, she can move round gingerly, and we're hopeful she'll recover OK."

McKee said Sunline had been suffering from laminitis for a couple of months, the result of toxins released in her body when she needed emergency surgery for colic earlier this year.

Sunline, who is being treated at McKee's Takanini racing stable, was New Zealand's best modern day galloper, winning $13.3m and 32 of her 48 starts.

Sunline has had four foals. Her second sold for $2m.

- © Fairfax NZ News