Paynter, now retired and standing at stud at WinStar Farm in Kentucky ("Paynter" 1), was known for his second place finish in the 2012 Belmont Stakes and his attempt to take the 2013 Breeders’ Cup Classic ("Paynter" 2). During the time in between these two races (September 4th, 2012) he was “diagnosed with our nightmare scenario of laminitis, and it seem[ed] it [was] rapidly progressing” (Blood-Horse Staff 2, 2012). Three of his feet were affected. Casts were applied to support his limbs and prevent sinking of the coffin bones (Oakford, 2013), and within the month “the hoof-lamellar zone [had] returned to a normal thickness, indicating a decrease in swelling within the hoof. Soft-ride boots with EVA [Ethylene-vinyl acetate] foam pads were placed on the front feet and EVA foam pads were placed on the hind feet” (Blood-Horse Staff 2, 2012). He was able to race again, but not as successfully, only finishing 1st in one other race, and taking 7th in the Breeders’ Cup Classic ("Paynter" 2). Paynter’s laminitis was determined to be colitis related and some of his recovery could be due to the use of cryotherapy before the condition worsened (Oakford, 2013).
Union Rags - 2012 Belmont Stakes (G1). Dir. The New York Racing Association, Inc.. 9 June 2012. YouTube.com. Web. 22 Nov. 2014. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ECxoDSydOY>.