The roller coaster saga of Princess Dorian, which began with her serious leg fracture at Del Mar on Nov. 10 but which looked promising in the early days following her surgery on Nov. 11, took a sudden and tragic turn early Monday when she developed acute laminitis in both her hind limbs, necessitating her being humanely euthanized, according to her trainer and co-owner, Andrew Lerner.

“Rough, rough morning,” said Lerner, who on Sunday had won his first Del Mar stakes with Queen Bee to You in the Betty Grable. “We tried the best we could.”

Princess Dorian had her surgery at the San Luis Rey Equine hospital, adjacent to the San Luis Rey Downs training center, and it is there were she was recuperating following the surgery and where she was when she was euthanized. Laminitis is often a concern with serious fractures, as the limbs that are not initially impacted can develop issues owing to the increased weight-bearing loads required.

“The vets said it came out of left field,” Lerner said. “She became very uncomfortable behind. It happened so quickly. It took everyone by surprise, owing to the way she had been doing. We had said all along that we wouldn’t let her suffer.”

A full story, including reaction from Del Mar's Tom Robbins, will be up soon at www.drf.com