from the USTA Communications Department

Columbus, OH — Standardbred Canada is reporting that Wakizashi Hanover, the 2015 Pepsi North America Cup and O’Brien Award winner, is set to start back into training on Monday (May 2) after undergoing surgery in early April.

The 4-year-old was sent to renowned equine surgeon Dr. Patty Hogan for an examination and she noticed a paralyzed flap in the horse’s airway and recommended tieback surgery.

The surgery took place on April 7, with Dr. Hogan considering the pacer an ideal candidate for this type of operation. The overall success rate of the surgery, however, is not perfect. Trainer Jo Ann Looney-King reports through Dr. Hogan that it’s in the 60-70 percent range.

To read the full story, click here.