Thorpedo Anna suffers shock defeat and seeks veterinary checkup

In Louisville, Kentucky, on May 2, 2025, Thorpedo Anna, the reigning Horse of the Year, faced a surprising defeat, finishing seventh in the $1 million La Troienne race at Churchill Downs. This defeat comes after her previous victory at the Apple Blossom Handicap on April 12, where she displayed exemplary performance. During the race, she was jostled between horses as they approached the first turn, which may have compromised her performance as she began to fade at the top of the stretch. Her trainer, Ken McPeek, expressed that the racing incident may have affected her performance and acknowledged that the three-week turnaround between races potentially wasn't ideal for her. Despite her loss, McPeek reported that Thorpedo Anna was walking well the following day. To ensure her health and to investigate any underlying issues, she is scheduled for X-rays on her knees and ankles. Following this procedure, she is set to be transferred to Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital in Lexington for further examination. The La Troienne saw Raging Sea emerge victorious, finishing three-quarters of a length ahead, marking her successful return after placing second to Thorpedo Anna at the Breeders' Cup Distaff last year. Thorpedo Anna had an impressive track record in 2024, winning six out of seven starts, including the prestigious Kentucky Oaks, with her only defeat occurring against male competitors in the Travers race, where she secured second place. Now four years old, her 2025 season started strong with victories in both the Azeri Stakes and the Apple Blossom Handicap, cumulatively winning ten out of her thirteen career starts and garnering over $4 million in earnings. In light of her unexpected performance at the La Troienne, Thorpedo Anna's team does not intend to rush her back into competition. Instead, they will prioritize her health and recovery, demonstrating a careful and thoughtful approach regarding her training and race schedule. The racing community will undoubtedly keep a close eye on her progress, as she is both a fan-favorite competitor and a significant performer in thoroughbred racing. Her past accolades and recent victories set high expectations, making further evaluations of her health critical for future racing considerations.