Paynter finished second to Union Rags in the 2012 Belmont Stakes. Photo by Mike Lizzi, via Wikipedia.
Last summer, 2012 Belmont Stakes runner-up Paynter nearly died from a serious bout of coliits and resulting laminitis. After winning the Haskell Stakes at Monmouth, the Awesome Again colt came down with a fever and ended up spending weeks in an equine hospital receiving intensive care, including colic surgery and laminitis treatment. Owner Ahmed Zayat was dedicated to saving the horse’s life, and Paynter’s story touched thousands of racing fans, earning the Vox Populi Award founded by Secretariat’s owner Penny Chenery.
Six months ago, Paynter returned to the track to start training again. Today, he is entered in his first race back, a $62,000 allowance at Hollywood Park. Post time is 4:15pm PT (7:15 ET).
Read more about Paynter’s story from The New York Times.
