Countess Diana

Breed: Sex: Occuption: Stabled in: Owner: Veterinarian: Trainer:

Thoroughbred Filly Racehorse Lexington, KY Rick & Nancy Kaster/Nancy Kaster & Donald Propson Dr. Greg Fox Mary Jo Lohmeier

 

Countess Diana was known as a "sour filly," and while she had won the $1 million Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies race in 1997, she didn't perform the same again for nearly two years. After a visit to a clinic, veterinarians recommended rest and treatment for minor ailments and ulcers. It was the ulcers that took the longest to heal.

The first ulcer treatment didn't work. Like many trainers, Ms. Lohmeier used what was available at the time -- one of the human remedies- antacids and drugs such as ZANTAC® (ranitidine) or TAGAMET® (cimetidine) that are ground up and mixed with syrup with no clear idea of the appropriate dosage. Although such measures may provide temporary relief for some horses, they have not been shown to heal stomach ulcers.

After the first ulcer treatment failed, in April, Countess Diana participated in the GREAT Trial (GASTROGARD (omeprazole) Real Experience Assessment Test), where she was put on GASTROGARD. Many feel that Countess Diana should be a poster girl for this new ulcer medication. Her story led part owner Rick Kaster to realize that many horses have probably been retired before their time because ulcers were not manageable.

On August 20, 1999, Countess Diana won an allowance race at Saratoga by nearly six lengths. Now for the first time in nearly two years, the Breeders' Cup can be considered again for Countess Diana.