Below is a statement on the death of 4-year-old thoroughbred racehorse Lost in the Fog. It was prepared by David Wilson, veterinary professor and director of the Large Animal Clinic at the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital at the University of California, Davis.

Lost in the Fog was brought to UC Davis' Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital on Aug. 13 with a suspected case of colic. However, diagnostic tests revealed the horse had lymphoma with tumors detected on or near his spleen.

Lost in the Fog was euthanized Sunday, Sept. 17, at Golden Gate Fields after experiencing significant discomfort related to the cancer.

*** LOST IN THE FOG STATEMENT -- Sept. 18, 2006

The veterinarians and staff at the UC Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital were greatly saddened to learn that Lost in the Fog had lost his battle with lymphoma and was euthanized at Golden Gate Fields on Sunday, Sept. 17.

Dr. Gary Magdesian, the specialist in equine internal medicine and critical patient care who had directed Lost in the Fog's diagnostic evaluation and treatment since Aug. 13, when the horse was first examined at UC Davis, had been in daily telephone communication with Dr. Don Smith, Lost in the Fog's regular veterinarian, since the horse completed the first round of chemotherapy treatment at UC Davis on Sept. 7 and returned to Golden Gate Fields under the care of Greg Gilchrist, his trainer.

Lost in the Fog tolerated the first chemotherapy treatment very well and had been comfortable and in good spirits until late last week. At that time, he began to develop mild swelling in his hind legs and scrotum and to show signs of mild abdominal discomfort (colic). As had been the case during Lost in the Fog's previous episodes of mild colic, he initially responded well to symptomatic treatment with analgesics and remained bright and comfortable until Sunday afternoon, when he became distressed and more uncomfortable.

Prior to instituting chemotherapy, all those involved in decisions regarding Lost in the Fog's care -- including owner Harry Aleo; trainer Greg Gilchrist; veterinarian Don Smith; and UC Davis veterinarians Gary Magdesian, Alain Theon, Larry Galuppo, and David Wilson -- agreed that if the point was reached that it was no longer possible to provide Lost in the Fog with an acceptable level of comfort and quality of life while continuing chemotherapy aimed at inducing remission of the tumors, humane euthanasia would be the most appropriate course of action. That point was reached on Sunday afternoon.

Lost in the Fog showed the same incredible toughness and determination in his battle with cancer that he showed during his illustrious racing career. He was a wonderful patient and true gentleman to the end, and will be greatly missed by his many fans around the world, including those who cared for him during his final weeks.