Mill Reef recovered from severe leg fracture after an innovative surgery and dedicated treatment, then become a very successful stallion for 13 years after surgery.

In January 2000, Seattle Slew was found unable to stand or lift his head due to compression of his cervical spine (commonly known as cervical instability syndrome). He underwent two advanced surgeries in 2000 and 2002. He passed away peacefully in a stable in 2002 at the age of 28.