from the Golden Gate Fields site.....
CHAMPION LOST IN THE FOG EUTHANIZED
Champion sprinter Lost in the Fog, stricken with inoperable cancerous tumors, was euthanized Sunday evening at Golden Gate Fields with trainer Greg Gilchrist and veterinarian Dr. Donald Smith at his side.
“He was happy and content right up to the end,” said Gilchrist. “He went quietly and easily.”
Gilchrist said Lost in the Fog went into distress after his afternoon grazing time. The trainer let Lost in the Fog graze on some grass outside his barn twice daily, in the morning and afternoon.
“Immediately after he went back in his stall he started showing signs of discomfort,” said Gilchrist. “He just kind of went downhill real quick. He was fine just 30 minutes before.”
Lost in the Fog was diagnosed with terminal cancer at the University of California-Davis on Aug. 18. The 4-year-old colt had three cancerous tumors – one in his spleen,
one in a ligament that suspends the spleen, and one very large tumor along the roof of his back.
Gilchrist brought Lost in the Fog back to Golden Gate Fields following the diagnosis and first treated his stable star with steroids in hopes of shrinking the tumors. When tests revealed the steroids were not reducing the tumors, Gilchrist and owner Harry J. Aleo elected to try chemotherapy. Lost in the Fog had his first and only chemotherapy treatment on Sept. 7.
“We did all we could and it didn’t help,” said Gilchrist. “The cancer was just too far advanced and we couldn’t get it turned around. He was comfortable all the time he was home. He was very alert and happy most of the time. I don’t know how much more we could have done. He just lost the battle this time.”
Gilchrist said it was tough to say goodbye to Lost in the Fog.
“It was very emotional,” said Gilchrist. “I probably won’t ever get over it. I always said when it got too bad, Lost in the Fog would let me know. I think he did yesterday (Sunday). If he was a person, he would have said, ‘It’s time.’ That’s life and we have to deal with it. People come and go. I’ll just see him on the other side.”
Gilchrist said Lost in the Fog will be cremated and it’s likely his ashes will go to Southern Chase Farm in Florida, where he was raised.
Lost in the Fog won 11 of his 14 career starts and earned $978,099. The Florida-bred son of Lost Soldier won 10 stakes, including six graded events. Lost in the Fog was named the nation’s champion sprinter of 2005 after winning eight stakes that year, including the Grade I King’s Bishop at Saratoga.
When asked how he would like fans to remember Lost in the Fog, Gilchrist replied, “Just remember him for the great warrior and champion he was.”
Golden Gate Fields is planning to honor Lost in the Fog on Saturday, Sept. 30.
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