Context:

Thorpedo Anna, the reigning Horse of the Year, experienced a surprising seventh-place finish at the La Troienne race at Churchill Downs, prompting a veterinary checkup. Trainer Ken McPeek suggested that an incident at the first turn or a short three-week turnaround might have affected her performance. Despite showing no signs of injury, Thorpedo Anna will undergo X-rays and further examination at Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital. Raging Sea, who previously finished second to Thorpedo Anna, won the La Troienne. Thorpedo Anna has a distinguished record with multiple victories, including last year's Kentucky Oaks, and has earned over $4 million in her career.

Dive Deeper:

• Thorpedo Anna, a 4-year-old mare and reigning Horse of the Year, finished unexpectedly in seventh place at the La Troienne race at Churchill Downs, leading to plans for a veterinary checkup.

• The mare was involved in an incident at the first turn of the race, which could have disrupted her performance, alongside a possibly too-short three-week turnaround between races.

• Trainer Ken McPeek expressed self-criticism over the decision to race again so soon and confirmed no immediate signs of injury, although further medical examination is planned.

• Raging Sea, who previously finished second to Thorpedo Anna in the Breeders' Cup Distaff, won the La Troienne by three-quarters of a length.

• Thorpedo Anna has a remarkable racing history, with 10 wins out of 13 starts, including victories in the Kentucky Oaks, Azeri Stakes, and Apple Blossom Handicap, amassing over $4 million in earnings.

• Despite the recent loss, Thorpedo Anna's career remains illustrious, having only lost twice in her career, once against male horses in the Travers Stakes.

• To ensure her health and performance readiness, she will undergo X-rays on her knees and ankles and receive further evaluation at the Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital in Lexington.