Mister Frisky Improving, Is Now Able to Eat

Mister Frisky, the beaten favorite in the Kentucky Derby, was said to be responding to treatment Sunday and gaining in his battle against a life-threatening abscess in his throat.

The colt, who finished third in the Preakness, “is alert and responsive, breathes normally and can eat hay and drink water with little difficulty,” said Dr. Scott E. Palmer, surgeon at the New Jersey Equine Clinic. Mister Frisky lost about 100 pounds because he was unable to eat.

“He’s not out of the woods yet, but he’s making good progress and we can relax a little,” Palmer said.

The colt was listed in stable condition, responding well to antibiotics, but remains in intensive care. Palmer said the abscess was drained and the infection does not appear to have spread. The colt was being given medication for a slight fever.

Dr. Robert Fritz, the horse’s veterinarian at Belmont Park, transferred Mister Frisky to the clinic Thursday. Fritz said the growth probably interfered with Mister Frisky’s performance in the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness.

Fritz believes the growth started before the Kentucky Derby. Mister Frisky won his first 16 starts, but was beaten by 19 1/4 lengths at Churchill Downs, finishing eighth.