Derby Winner Giacomo to Have Ankle Surgery

Giacomo, the upset winner of the Kentucky Derby, will undergo surgery in the coming week to remove a small bone chip from his left front ankle. He almost certainly won’t run again in 2005.

The problem was discovered after X-rays were taken Wednesday -- part of a thorough examination trainer John Shirreffs requested after the 3-year-old son of Holy Bull finished seventh in the Belmont Stakes a week ago today.

Immediately after the Belmont, which was won easily by Preakness winner Afleet Alex, jockey Mike Smith said he thought Giacomo had displaced his palate, meaning he would have had breathing difficulties during the running of the race.

Tests later indicated Giacomo didn’t have a palate problem, but Shirreffs said Friday morning the freshness of the chip suggests it might have happened during the Belmont.

“The prognosis is excellent,” Shirreffs said. “There wasn’t much damage to the surrounding joint.”

After the surgery, which will be performed at Hollywood Park where Giacomo is stabled, the colt will need 60-120 days to recuperate. He could return to racing sometime during Santa Anita’s winter-spring meet, which begins Dec. 26.

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-- Bob Mieszerski