Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird has minor throat surgery, expected to go in Travers

Derby winner Mine That Bird has minor surgery

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. — Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird has returned to Saratoga Race Course to prepare for the $1 million Travers Stakes after having throat surgery to free an entrapped epiglottis.

Trainer Chip Woolley said the routine procedure, performed Tuesday morning by Dr. Patricia Hogan at the Ruffian Equine Medical Center across from Belmont Park, went perfectly. He said the 3-year-old gelding will resume training in a couple of days.

The condition, which can interfere with breathing, was discovered during a routine endoscopic examination following a workout Monday at Saratoga. The Travers is Aug. 29.