Charismatic’s Leg Is Getting Better

Charismatic continues to improve from surgery for leg fractures suffered in the Belmont Stakes that could have proved fatal.

“In terms of severity, and on a scale of one to 10, it was a 9,” said Dr. Celeste Kunz, whose quick reaction help saved the life of the Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner.

“The fracture was dangerously displaced,” she said Friday at news conference at Belmont Park. “If it had broken through the skin, the prognosis would have been lowered significantly. I fitted the leg with a compression boot suitable to the horse’s weight and size in order to immobilize it.”

Charismatic finished third behind Lemon Drop Kid and Vision And Verse in the Belmont in his bid to become the 12th Triple Crown champion. He was retired and will go to stud.