For the second time in about a year, 2001 Kentucky Derby winner and Nuckols Farm stallion Monarchos is battling colic.  The farm reports that the 14-year-old was rushed to Hagyard Equine Medical Institute Tuesday night to undergo emergency colic surgery.  Charles Nuckols III said Monarchos was recuperating and that updates on his progress would be available at a later date. 

The John C. Oxley-owned stallion had colic surgery in April 2011 and successfully recovered.

As a racehorse, the son of Maria’s Mon won four of 10 starts for lifetime earnings of more than $1.7 million.  In 2001, he won the Kentucky Derby with the second-fastest time in history, joining Secretariat as the only other winner to break the two-minute mark.

As a sire, his top earners among 28 stakes horses include champion Informed Decision, who won the 2009 Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint, and Win Willy, winner of the 2011 Oaklawn Handicap.

After being bred to 30 mares in 2011, Monarchos stood for a fee of $4,000 this year.