Surgery to Remove Bone Chip From Snow Chief’s Knee Termed a Success

Preakness and Jersey Derby winner Snow Chief underwent successful arthroscopic surgery Tuesday for the removal of a bone chip from his right knee.

The one-hour operation was performed by Dr. Greg Ferraro at the Southern California Equine Foundation Hospital at Hollywood Park. The removal of the chip took 20 minutes, and Ferraro described the procedure as routine.

“He was a good patient and there were no complications,” Ferraro said. “We took our time in bringing him back from the anesthetic. He was up on his feet and ready to walk back to his stall a little after noon. He will be back.”

X-rays revealed the chip after Snow Chief’s third-place finish in the July 5 Silver Screen Handicap.

Trainer Mel Stute, who watched the operation, suggested the horse may have had the injury for some time. He said the California-bred son of Reflected Glory will recuperate for three months before returning to training.

Snow Chief has earned $2,790,940 for owners Carl Grinstead and Ben Rochelle.