For the layman, the condyle is the bulbous bottom or distal end of the cannon bone that fits into the fetlock (ankle) joint.

When I heard, that another Unbridled’s Song offspring had broken down under the rigors of racing I shook my head.

Not only because of the memory of Eight Belles but also because Dunkirk is likely to be mended and sent to breeding shed where he will likely pass on the structural flaws that have lead to many of the current breakdowns in that line.

A word on racing injuries: So many things are genetic it’s scary and unsoundness is no exception. If you don’t think unsoundness can be passed on through horses, take a look at Eight Belles’ breeding. Everyone knows about her public breakdown, but don’t forget that she too was sired by Unbridled’s Song.

Unbridled’s Song was also the sire of Midshipman, 2008′s champion two year old and Eclipse Award winner. Midshipman broke down in Dubai while being prepared for this year’s Derby.

Another son of Unbridled’s Song, Old Fashioned, ran in the Arkansas Derby in preparation for the Kentucky Derby but sustained a slab-fracture of his near-side knee.

Go back just a couple of years to Barbaro. His lineage went straight back to Native Dancer, the same as Unbridled’s Song. In fact it has been estimated that approximately 70% of today’s thoroughbreds have Native Dancer in their lines. He had chronic foot problems that ended in his retirement .

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