Rachel Alexandra improving

Updated: Mon 4:28 PM, Feb 18, 2013

LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) - Rachel Alexandra remains serious but is walking and eating as she continues improving from abdominal surgery.

Veterinarians at Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital say the 2009 Horse of the Year took a short walk outside Monday morning and ate a small amount of grass. Rachel Alexandra began receiving feed along with IV fluids and nutrition on Saturday, and her vital signs remain "bright" and normal.

Veterinarians Bonnie Barr and Brett Woodie are encouraged by the mare's progress. Barr attributes the improvement to Rachel Alexandra being "smart and strong-willed."

The horse underwent surgery on Feb. 13 to repair a section of small colon damaged while delivering a 140-pound filly by Bernardini. She has been stable and is housed in stall 13, the post position from which she won the 2009 Preakness.

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