Blushing KD at the Pimlico stakes barn prior to the Black-Eyed Susan in 1997 courtesy of Tina Hines

Blushing KD Update

Dateline: 08/04/99

Most of you probably remember the gallant filly Blushing KD who was purchased for only $25,000 and went on to win a nice string of races in 1997 including the Kentucky Oaks. She broke both sesamoids in her left foreleg while training for the Haskell Invitational. The prognosis for her full recovery was quite good as she proved to be a good patient. Although the original injury to her left leg has completely healed, her condition has deteriorated lately. There has been alot of controversy online recently over Blushing KD and her current condition and treatment. One of her original owners, Sue Burns, came in the chat room here on August 3rd to help set the story straight. Below is a summary of what she had to say.

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Her original owners, Jim and Sue Burns, no longer own her. They spent all she earned, plus some, trying to save her. She started to founder (also known as laminitis) in her right front foot in January 1998 and it has gotten progressively worse. Their vet, Dr. Larry Bramledge, said Blushing KD should be put down two months ago, but the insurance company instead opted to pay off on her policy and take ownership. Despite her condition, they tried to breed her to Skip Away but thankfully she did not get in foal.

the insurance co is a business and they have to make money we just thought it best to put her down and not let her suffer they just wanted to try

Blushing KD gets her hooves groomed by her trainer Sam David prior to the Black-Eyed Susan in 1997 courtesy of Tina Hines

Because the plan to breed her and try to recoup some of their money failed, the insurance company donated her to Dr. Ric Redden and The International Equine Podiatry Center, a non-profit organization founded by Dr. Redden. Since this is a non-profit organization they could take a tax write-off on the donation to help recover some of the expenses. This is where she is now and she should be getting the best of care since Dr. Redden is the best equine foot doctor around. Mrs. Burns did not know her current condition as she has been cut out of the loop since the insurance company took over Blushing KD.

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Hopefully Dr. Redden will make a public statement about her current condition and prognosis soon as her many fans are wondering. Someone on the Vinery forum reported that Dr. Redden is optimistic for her chances of recovery although her founder is about an 8.5 on a scale of 10 in severity.

More Blushing KD Info:

• Thoroughbred Times article - includes comments from her current vet
• Blushing KD Tribute Page - all her races and several photos
• Andy Beyer article - an excellent article about her from just after she was injured

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